- Deputy President Kithure Kindiki says Sh39 billion will be invested in road projects across Meru County.
- The Kionyo-Kanyakine-Muti O’Kiama-Ketha Kanaro-Mitunguu road is among projects already under implementation.
- Meru Town is set to receive 17 kilometres of upgraded roads at a cost of Sh3.7 billion.
- The Government is also investing in markets, water, sewerage and agricultural inputs.
- Kindiki said the projects are intended to improve farmers’ incomes and support long-term development in the county.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a Sh39 billion road construction programme in Meru County as the Government seeks to improve transport networks and unlock economic opportunities in rural areas. The programme is expected to address long-standing infrastructure demands while making it easier for farmers and businesses to move goods. Kindiki said several projects are already under construction or at various stages of implementation.
Speaking in Kanyakine, Imenti South, the Deputy President singled out the Kionyo-Kanyakine-Muti O’Kiama-Ketha Kanaro-Mitunguu road as one of the projects making progress. He said residents had pushed for the road for many years and expressed confidence in the contractor handling the work. Kindiki said the project would be completed as planned.
Kindiki said the Government would tackle Meru’s wider road needs progressively rather than attempting to complete every project at once. He explained that implementation would depend on available resources and the order in which projects are prioritised.
“We will do all the roads one at a time, step by step. Rome was not built in a day,” Kindiki said.
A significant portion of the investment will go towards improving roads within Meru Town. The Government plans to upgrade 17 kilometres of roads in the town at a cost of Sh3.7 billion, with Kindiki saying financing for the project has already been secured and a contractor appointed.
The wider infrastructure programme also includes 21 market projects across the county. Gakoromoni Market is among the facilities being developed, alongside planned investments in water and sewerage infrastructure.
Kindiki linked the road projects to the Government’s broader strategy of improving household incomes in agricultural communities. Better roads are expected to reduce the difficulty and cost of transporting farm produce while making markets and essential services more accessible.
The infrastructure programme comes alongside efforts to reduce the cost of agricultural inputs. Kindiki said the price of a 50-kilogramme bag of subsidised fertiliser has fallen to Sh2,000, compared with Sh7,000 in 2022.
The Government has also reduced the price of certified maize seed by half this season. A kilogramme now costs Sh150, while a 2kg pack is priced at Sh300, with 10kg and 25kg packs retailing at Sh1,500 and Sh3,750 respectively.
Government Allocates Sh6 Billion to Maize Seed Subsidy
The Government says its maize seed subsidy programme targets about 40 million kilogrammes of certified seed. The initiative represents an estimated Sh6 billion investment intended to support agricultural production and improve farmers’ incomes.
Kindiki said cheaper farm inputs would complement road construction by helping farmers lower production costs while giving them better access to markets. The combination of infrastructure and agricultural support is expected to strengthen economic activity in farming communities.
Beyond roads and markets, Kindiki highlighted several other Government programmes being implemented in Meru. These include expanding electricity connections, recruiting teachers and Community Health Promoters, constructing classrooms and laboratories, strengthening technical education and improving healthcare access through the Social Health Authority.
The Deputy President urged leaders to prioritise projects that deliver long-term benefits rather than focusing on immediate political interests. He said public infrastructure should be viewed as an investment for future generations.
“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,” Kindiki said.
He also called for cooperation between leaders and residents, saying Government projects require support from different levels of leadership and the communities they serve. According to Kindiki, citizens also have a role in demanding accountability and ensuring promised projects are delivered.
“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,” he said.
