President William Ruto has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the expansion of Kenya’s road network as part of a broader plan to boost economic growth and connectivity in the country, as well as the East African region.

In a speech at the Mashujaa Day celebrations at Kitui on October 20, President Ruto pointed out that infrastructure has been a pillar of the Kenyan development agenda and recounted the lessons of the past leadership.

“Our third critical area of focus is infrastructure development. Again, Baba, who also served as a Minister of Roads, Public Works, and Housing under the late President Mwai Kibaki, often reminded me that no economy can flourish without a world-class infrastructure,” he said.

Dualing of Major Highways

The President announced plans to at least dual 1,000 kilometers of major highways to ease the traffic congestion and improve the safety, as well as support trade.

Some of the roads targeted are: Rironi-Nakuru-Mau Summit, the Eldoret-Malaba, Makutano-Embu-Meru, Kitengela-Namanga, Mombasa-Nairobi, and the Marua-Nanyuki roads.

According to President Ruto, these projects will not only open up major trade routes but also enhance the free movement of citizens and businesses.

The expanded network will have significant contributions to linking the industrial and agricultural hubs in Kenya with the regional markets.

Also Read: Ruto Honours the Late Raila Odinga with Kenya’s Highest Award

Enhancing Access Roads in the Rural and Farm Areas

Other than the major highways, the government is also considering constructing 10,000 more kilometers of new farm access roads.

Ruto said this project aims to connect farmers, traders, and manufacturers with markets across the country, lowering transport expenses and post-harvest losses.

“At the same time, we need to construct new farm access roads linking farmers and manufacturers to the markets across the nation,” Ruto said.

Also Read: Govt Gives Way Forward on Mashujaa Day Celebrations

Connectivity in the Region via the SGR

Ruto also gave an outline of how he plans to finish the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) between Naivasha and Kisumu and then to Malaba, which would provide a seamless transport line that would link Kenya with Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

He described the project as a crucial step to achieving the African Free Trade Area Dream, which incorporates Kenya into the “very heart of the African continent.”

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President Ruto addressing the nation in Kitui during Mashujaa celebrations. PHOTO/PCS.