The government is implementing development projects worth more than Sh50 billion in Kiambu County, President William Ruto has announced.
The projects, which cut across housing, roads and markets, are aimed at transforming Kiambu County and boosting the country’s economic growth.
Among the flagship programmes are 17,000 affordable housing units under construction across the county at a cost of Sh43 billion.
The President said the housing plan also includes 8,000 hostel units for students in public universities, technical training institutions and the Kenya Medical Training College.
In addition Ruto said Sh5 billion has been allocated for the construction of 29 modern markets, 26 of which are near completion.
“From June, I will camp in this county handing over markets to our women traders,” said Ruto.
He said the markets will provide traders with dignified working spaces, adding that the government will support them to restock and grow their businesses.
The President at the same time said Sh15 billion has been set aside to expand the road network in the county.
He announced that the dualling of the Pangani–Kiambu–Ndumberi road will begin soon at a cost of Sh22 billion adding the Kamakis–Kiambu town road will also be dualled.
President Ruto further revealed that he will launch the Museum Hill–Thika Expressway in October to address persistent traffic congestion along the Thika Superhighway.
“You did not ask me for this, but I planned it because we must eliminate the traffic jam on that road,” he said.
Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi thanked the President for supporting development projects in the county, including resolving the long-standing water shortage in Ruiru town.
“Three months after you assumed office, I visited you and shared the water challenges here. Even the driest areas of this constituency now have piped water,” he said.
The President urged Kiambu leaders to set aside political differences and work together for the benefit of residents.
“Leaders are elected to serve the people. If Kiambu lags behind, we are the ones to be questioned. It is important that we work together,” he added.
Also present were ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo, National Assembly Majority Leader and Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, several MPs and MCAs.
Later, President Ruto attended the closing ceremony of the Magical Kenya Open at the Karen Country Club in Nairobi.
He said the competition was more than a tournament, describing it as an opportunity to showcase Kenya as a leading tourist and investment destination.
“We are celebrating more than a tournament; we are celebrating Magical Kenya as a tourist and investment destination,” Ruto added.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries Salim Mvurya (Sports), Rebecca Miano (Tourism) and Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), among other leaders, attended the event.
