The national government is set to embark on a major transformative road construction programme in Meru County at a cost of Sh39 billion in a deliberate move to open up rural areas and cut transport costs incurred by the residents.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the farmers in the area will benefit from newly reduced prices of fertiliser and certified maize seed from President William Ruto administration.
The Deputy President revealed that several roads that residents had pursued for years were now under construction or at various stages of implementation, including the Kionyo-Kanyakine-Muti O’Kiama-Ketha Kanaro-Mitunguu road.
Speaking at Kanyakine market, South Imenti constituency in Meru County, Prof Kindiki said the government had provided resources for the road and expressed confidence that the contractor would complete the project.
“We have sought this road for a very long time. I have seen that it is progressing seamlessilly after it started well. We have a good contractor. This contractor will deliver. Meru County will benefit from Sh 39 billion road projects while farmers will get cheaper seeds and fertilizer,” said the Deputy President.
He said the Government will tackle the county’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,” Prof Kindiki said.
The DP said another major investment would be in Meru town, where 17 kilometres of roads will be upgraded at a cost of Sh3.7 billion.
The second in command said funding and a contractor were already in place.
“The Government will also implement 21 market projects in the county, including the Gakoromone market, alongside investments in water and sewerage infrastructure. The road projects are meant to improve household incomes while better roads would make it easier for farmers to move produce to markets and access essential services,” said Prof. Kindiki.
The announcements come as farmers receive relief on the cost of production.
A 50kg bag of subsidised fertiliser is now available at Sh 2,000, down from Sh 7,000 in 2022, while the price of certified maize seed has been cut by half starting this season.
A kilogramme now costs Sh150, down from Sh300. A 2kg pack costs Sh300, while 10kg and 25kg packs cost Sh1,500 and Sh3,750 respectively.
The Government has said the seed subsidy targets about 40 million kilogrammes and represents an estimated Sh6 billion investment to boost farmer incomes.
Prof Kindiki also cited electricity connections, teacher and Community Health Promoter recruitment, construction of classrooms and laboratories, expansion of technical education and increased access to healthcare through SHA among the Government’s interventions in Meru.
He urged leaders to concentrate on projects with lasting economic and social value rather than 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,” he said.
Prof Kindiki said development also depended on cooperation between leaders and citizens, who he credited with 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,” said the second in command.
