By Isaiah Lucheli
President Kibaki has said Sh70 billion has been set aside to build roads to boost regional trade.He said infrastructure is critical to development, hence the huge investment.
The President spoke at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Sh28 billion Nairobi-Thika Road project, yesterday. The Government, African Development Bank (ADB) and the Chinese Government are funding the project.
Kibaki said the country boasts of vital links with Sudan, Uganda, Ethiopia and Tanzania, hence the need to improve the road network.
"The transport sector, and in particular roads, play a key role in facilitating marketing of agricultural produce, exploitation of resources and opportunities as well as development of industries," he said.
Kibaki said the Government had increased the annual budgetary allocation, but explained the Sh70 billion had been sourced locally and internationally in line with Vision 2030.
Approved plans
Kibaki also put road contractors on notice over failure to implement approved plans and weaknesses in planning.
"I direct Nairobi Metropolitan Development, Lands and Local Government ministries to work closely with the Ministry of Roads to prepare a master plan for the development of areas along our national transport corridors," he said.
Cabinet ministers Franklin Bett (Roads) Chris Obure (Public Works), Wycliffe Oparanya (Planning), John Munyes (Labour), Uhuru Kenyatta (Finance) and representatives from the Chinese Government and ADB bank, attended the ceremony.
The President described Thika road as one of the busiest highways and a vital link between Cairo in Egypt and Cape Town in South Africa.
"We will continue repairing and building new roads to enhance economic growth and boost market centres," he said.
