NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 2 – For many Kenyans, the revival of stalled road projects has brought immediate relief and renewed hope.
Farmers are now able to move their produce to markets with ease, traders are reaching customers more efficiently, and families are finding new sources of income from construction work.
In Gachie, Kiambaa Constituency, 34-year-old mother of two, Charity Maina, says the project has transformed her life.
“We have benefited a lot from this project. I have been able to feed my two children, pay school fees, and rent. This work feeds my family, and I am very happy about that,” she said.
Her experience reflects the wider impact of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority’s (KeRRA) renewed push to accelerate road construction after the government cleared part of the Ksh 50 billion owed to contractors.
Acting Director General Eng. Jackson Magondu said 40 per cent of the arrears had been paid, enabling thousands of workers like Maina to return to work.
“People are now able to access markets without the stress and struggle caused by poor road networks, especially in agriculture-rich regions. Even when works are not yet complete, you can already see the opening up.”
“The benefits are immense because business owners who depended on these projects for income are back on their feet,” said Eng. Magondu.
He recalled the excitement in Kirinyaga and Embu counties when the 50-kilometre Muciibi wa Gicugu road was tarmacked.
“I remember seeing children running barefoot onto the tarmac, touching it because they had never seen one before. It was exciting and gave us comfort that we are truly touching lives at the grassroots,” he said.
Currently, KeRRA is working on 20,000 kilometres of road networks across the country. Of these, 5,000 kilometres are being tarmacked, 7,000 gravelled, and 15,000 are at various stages of completion.
KeRRA Chairman Anthony Mwaura with Acting Director General Eng. Jackson Magondu at a road construction site in Gachie, Kiambu County, as workers and staff look on.
To bridge funding gaps, the government has adopted a securitisation model that converts future road revenues into upfront capital.
So far, Sh64.2 billion has been disbursed through this approach, clearing 40 per cent of pending bills tied to 393 projects.
In addition, the Cabinet approved the release of up to 80 per cent of verified contractor claims, easing cash flow and fast-tracking construction.
KeRRA Chairman Anthony Mwaura assured Kenyans that most of the road projects will be completed by 2027.
“We are equal to the task. Every road that President William Ruto promised is going to be delivered. We have resources from the Treasury and development partners, and even more roads will be done,” he said.
In Gachie, Resident Engineer Joseph Irungu confirmed steady progress.
“This particular road, known as 607, consists of many links adding up to 90 kilometres. So far, we have completed 23 kilometres with a black top,” he noted.
From farmers accessing markets faster, to traders expanding their reach, to families like Maina’s finding a reliable source of income, the resumption of road projects is being felt across the country.
“This is not just about infrastructure,” Eng. Magondu emphasized. “It is about transforming lives and unlocking opportunities for ordinary Kenyans.”
