President William Ruto and his Deputy, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, have urged Members of Parliament to speed up approval of the forthcoming National Infrastructure Fund Bill to overcome years of underfunding in critical developments projects.
The two leaders made the appeal in Kangundo Constituency, Machakos County today Friday where they launched the tarmacking of the Kangundo–Mwala Road during their third day of a development tour across Ukambani.
The tour has taken them through Makueni, Kitui and Machakos counties, with the President announcing that the government has earmarked more than Sh25.5 billion for development projects in Machakos County alone.
Prof. Kindiki said the proposed Infrastructure Fund is central to the administration’s ambition to unlock long-stalled projects in roads, water, energy and agriculture.
He described the Fund as an avenue to propel Kenya toward global competitiveness while improving the daily lives of citizens.
According to the Deputy President, the government intends to use the Infrastructure Fund to construct an additional 10,000 kilometres of tarmacked roads, produce 10,000 megawatts of electricity and build at least 50 mega dams that will open vast areas for irrigation, boost food production and stabilize water supply.
“We must put in place the Infrastructure Fund to enable us to meet these demands. It will help us construct an additional 10,000 kilometres of tarmac roads, 10,000 megawatts of electricity and 50 mega dams to help us irrigate our lands and produce more food and achieve other critical projects,” said Kindiki.
They called on MPs from all political persuasions to unite in support of the Bill once it reaches the House, arguing that the country cannot continue delaying major investments that will determine its economic future.
“I’m requesting our lawmakers to support the Infrastructure Fund Bill when it is brought to Parliament for adoption so that we actualize these infrastructure projects and take our country forward and move it from third to first world,” said Kindiki .
Kindiki further emphasized that the Kenya Kwanza administration is committed to equitable development and will not sideline any region regardless of how its residents voted or their religious backgrounds.
“As the government, we will develop the whole country. There is no part that will be left behind because of political, regional or religious affiliation because Kenya is one. We are one country, one people. Every part of Kenya deserves roads, electricity, markets, water and other development activities,” he assured.
President Ruto echoed the sentiment, telling residents that his administration is determined to fast-track the completion of all ongoing projects in Ukambani.
He insisted that Machakos, which he said has already benefited from Sh 24 billion worth of development initiatives, will not be short changed.
The President said such investments are intended to stimulate local economies, create jobs and give residents opportunities previously denied by years of stalled projects.
“We will ensure Machakos is equally developed like every other part of the country. We will not allow Machakos and Ukambani to lag behind again in development,” President Ruto said.
The President added that the new road will open up agricultural zones, shorten travel times and ease the movement of goods between Machakos and neighbouring counties, turning the area into a more vibrant economic hub.
The tour attracted a large group of leaders who praised the government’s commitment to infrastructure expansion and pledged their support.
Cabinet Secretary for Labour Dr. Alfred Mutua, who hails from the region, said the investments will reshape the economic landscape of Ukambani and give residents renewed confidence in national leadership.
MPs who accompanied the President and his Deputy included Fabian Kyule of Kangundo, Vincent Kawaya of Mwala, Mwengi Mutuse of Kibwezi West, Joshua Mwalyo of Masinga, Charles Nguna of Mwingi West, Nimrod Mbai of Kitui East and Peter Kihungi of Kangema who expressed satisfaction with the pace of development and vowed to champion the Infrastructure Fund Bill in Parliament.
