The government has also allocated Sh10 billion to the LAPPSET project and Sh3.6 billion from development partners towards the Mombasa Port development/CFM BUSINESS
NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 30 – Infrastructure projects are among the big winners in this year’s budget taking Sh134.9 billion in the 2017/2018 financial year.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich says of the amount, Sh63.6 billion will go towards the ongoing road construction while Sh44.3 billion will be directed to foreign co-financed roads.
Further, Sh27 billion will be used for low volume seal roads and Sh49.3 billion for road maintenance from the Road Maintenance Levy.
At the same time, Sh75.6 billion has been committed to the Standard Gauge Railway from which Sh15.5 billion will go to the completion of the first phase and Sh59.7 billion towards the construction of second phase from Nairobi to Naivasha.
Further, Sh400 million will be used to relocate the people along the railway line.
“Once completed, SGR will help to integrate domestic markets, link special industrial zones and bring global export markets closer home. The construction of the first phase is nearing completion and we expect Kenyans to enjoy a decent ride from Mombasa to Nairobi starting June 1 2017. At the same time, we are glad to announce that the construction of the second phase has already began,” Rotich said during his budget presentation in Parliament.
The government has also allocated Sh10 billion to the LAPPSET project and Sh3.6 billion from development partners towards the Mombasa Port development partners and Sh200 million for the maintenance of ferries.
“The first phase of the second container terminal at the port of Mombasa has been completed and is expected to improve cargo handling services and strengthen Mombasa as a preferred port of call in East Africa.”
A total of Sh2.6 billion has been committed towards the expansion and modernisation of Malindi, Isiolo and Lokichogia airports and the Suneka airstrip.
Rotich also spoke of the government’s intention to commence the expansion of the Eldoret International Airport to enable large cargo planes to land. According to the CS, the move is expected to position the port as a transport hub.
