By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 2 April 2026 - President William Ruto has announced the release of KSh 20 billion ($ 154 million) to road contractors beginning next week, in a renewed push to accelerate infrastructure development and sustain momentum in stalled projects across the country.
The President said the funds will guarantee continuity in road construction nationwide, coming hot on the heels of the government’s recent clearance of KSh 177 billion in pending bills—some dating back to 2020—that had crippled the sector.
“The tarmacking of Mau Mau roads, which had stalled, is now going on, while several others are being improved to ease movement of goods and services,” President Ruto said.
Speaking on Thursday in Othaya, Nyeri County, the Head of State underscored his administration’s focus on delivering tangible development, revealing that Nyeri alone has been allocated KSh 8 billion for expansion of roads across all constituencies.
He pointed to the progress of the Kenol-Marua dual carriageway, now 90% complete from 30 per cent in 2022, and announced plans to extend it to Nyeri town and Nanyuki upon completion.
“When completed, the dual carriageway will be extended to Nyeri town and Nanyuki,” he said.
Ruto used the occasion to reaffirm his government’s commitment to equitable development, dismissing claims of regional bias.
“I want to assure Kenyans that my administration is implementing the promises it made to Kenyans without bias,” he said.
Beyond roads, the President outlined a sweeping development agenda in Nyeri County, including KSh 13 billion for the construction of 5,700 affordable housing units and KSh 1.8 billion for 18 modern markets in Othaya, Kagicha and Ndunyu, with another planned for Witima township.
In the health sector, he said the government has allocated KSh 500 million to upgrade Mwai Kibaki National Referral Hospital following its elevation to national status, while Nyeri County Referral Hospital (PGH) will receive KSh 1 billion for expansion and equipment.
On healthcare reforms, Ruto lauded Nyeri residents for embracing the Social Health Authority (SHA), noting that the county ranks among the top in registration.
“Nyeri is number five nationally with 543,000 people registered with SHA, translating to 70% of the total population in the county. This is impressive,” he said.
He added that SHA has already disbursed Sh3.2 billion to hospitals in the county for services rendered.
The President also cited gains in the coffee sector, linking improved farmer earnings to the dismantling of cartels.
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Prices of coffee cherry, he said, have risen sharply from an average of KSh 60 in 2022 to KSh 160.
Responding to concerns from church leaders, Ruto pledged a tougher crackdown on drug and alcohol abuse, directing authorities to act decisively.
“To defeat drugs and alcohol abuse, what is required is a whole-of-society approach, bringing together religious organisations, Government, and parents,” he said.
He also urged parents to take greater responsibility in shaping their children’s values, warning against harmful external influences.
In a strong political message, the President reiterated his commitment to national unity and cautioned leaders against divisive rhetoric.
“We will unite all Kenyans and eradicate the politics of tribalism, seclusion, hatred and division,” he said.
He challenged leaders to focus on development-oriented agendas, saying Kenyans will ultimately judge them based on their track record.
“I have no doubt that when the right time comes, Kenyans will elect leaders with a clear record,” he added.
Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga welcomed the national government’s interventions, particularly in the health sector.
“I will continue to work closely with the National Government to address the challenges facing my county,” he said.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and local MPs accompanied the President during the event.
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