MERU, Kenya – Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a Sh39 billion road construction programme in Meru County as the Government steps up infrastructure investment aimed at opening up rural areas, lowering transport costs and improving farmers’ access to markets.
Speaking at Kanyakine in Imenti South, Kindiki said several roads that residents had pursued for years were now under construction or at different stages of implementation.
Among them is the Kionyo-Kanyakine-Muti O’Kiama-Ketha Kanaro-Mitunguu road, which he said was progressing well.
“We have sought this road for a very long time. I have seen that it is progressing well, it has started well, it is progressing well and we have a good contractor. This contractor will deliver. This one will deliver,” Kindiki said.
Government to implement roads progressively
Kindiki said the Government would address Meru’s infrastructure needs progressively, with projects being implemented according to available resources.
“We will do all the roads one at a time, step by step. Rome was not built in a day,” he said.
He said the programme was part of a wider effort to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity across the county.
A major investment is planned in Meru Town, where 17 kilometres of roads will be upgraded at a cost of Sh3.7 billion.
According to Kindiki, funding for the project has been secured and a contractor is already in place.
The Government is also implementing 21 market projects in Meru, including the Gakoromoni Market, alongside investments in water and sewerage infrastructure.
Roads to boost farmers’ incomes
Kindiki linked the road programme directly to efforts to improve household incomes, particularly among farmers.
He said better roads would make it easier for farmers to transport agricultural produce to markets while also improving access to essential services.
The infrastructure investments come alongside measures aimed at reducing the cost of agricultural production.
The price of a 50-kilogramme bag of subsidised fertiliser has fallen to Sh2,000, from Sh7,000 in 2022.
The Government has also cut the price of certified maize seed by half beginning this season.
A kilogramme of certified maize seed now costs Sh150, down from Sh300. A 2kg pack costs Sh300, while 10kg and 25kg packs are priced at Sh1,500 and Sh3,750 respectively.
Sh6bn maize seed subsidy
The Government says the seed subsidy targets approximately 40 million kilogrammes of certified maize seed and represents an estimated Sh6 billion investment aimed at boosting farmers’ incomes and supporting agricultural production.
Kindiki said the lower cost of farm inputs would complement infrastructure investments by reducing the burden on farmers and improving their ability to produce and access markets.
More projects planned across Meru
The Deputy President also highlighted other Government interventions in Meru, including increased electricity connections, recruitment of teachers and Community Health Promoters, construction of classrooms and laboratories, expansion of technical education and improved access to healthcare through the Social Health Authority.
He urged leaders to focus on projects that would have lasting economic and social benefits rather than pursuing short-term political gains.
“Development is for generations. This road is not for UDA. This road is not for us who are here. After 100 years, this road will still be serving the people of this area, our children and our grandchildren,” Kindiki said.
He said successful development also required cooperation between leaders and citizens, noting that residents play an important role in pushing authorities to deliver projects.
“There is no leader who can bring development alone. He is assisted by his seniors, he is assisted by his juniors, he is assisted by the citizens,” he said.
