Konza City project 12 months ahead of schedule, says Ruto

The Government's commitment to full implementation of the Konza Techno City "is solid", Deputy President William Ruto has said.

He said he and President Uhuru Kenyatta have their tabs on what is happening at Konza and the Government is ready to allocate more resources towards the implementation of the ambitious project.

"If there were any doubts from anyone about the government's commitment to the project, I wish to allay them. The Konza city is at the heart of our planning," said Mr Ruto.

He was speaking at the proposed city after he commissioned the construction of roads. He assured both local and international investors that the Jubilee government would help them realise the desired goals.

The Deputy President said investors are expected to put up about Sh1 billion worth of investments in the proposed city, adding that Konza will be the smart city for developers.

"Konza Techno City is a perfect home for creators and inventors. Those who thought it will not take off will be ashamed," he said.

He was accompanied by Makueni Senator Mutula Kilonzo Junior, Governors Kivutha Kibwana (Makueni), David Nkedianye (Kajiado), MPs Regina Ndambuki, Kisoi Munyao, Richard Makenga, Victor Munyaka, Vincent Musyoka, Joel Mutambu, Mpuri Wamburi and Rose Museo.

Ruto steered clear of politics maintaining that elections is a one-day exercise, and urged leaders to direct their efforts towards service delivery to wananchi.

He was pleased with progress made, saying the project Sh12 months ahead of schedule and thanked leaders from Makueni, Machakos and Kajiado counties for their support.

Boundary disputes

The Deputy President said the project belonged to the entire country and urged leaders to stop quarreling over its location.

"I urge all to understand that Konza City is for the entire country. It will not come when people are fighting over boundaries. We did not create counties to make people fight over boundaries," he said.

He said this after a section of the crowd heckled Bishop Martin Kivuva for saying that the City is in Machakos County.

He said Jubilee recognised all elected leaders in Ukambani regardless of their party affiliation and pledged that the Government will work with all of them.

Lands Cabinet Secretary Charity Ngilu said there was need for elected leaders in Ukambani to work together to ensure the project is completed.

MPs who spoke at the ceremony assured the Deputy President that they will work with the Jubilee government in its development agenda for the region.