Sh102 billion tenders for roads ready, says Transport PS

Transport Principal Secretary John Mosonik

Tenders for the first phase of construction of 8,000 km of roads will be awarded this week.

Transport Principal Secretary John Mosonik said the ministry has received bids to construct 3,400 kilometres to be undertaken at a cost Sh102 billion.

Mosonik said the ministry has completed evaluation of bids for 1,400 kilometres that will cost Sh42 billion.

He added they will be launched before mid this month and that the remaining bids will be evaluated and awarded in due course.

"Bids totaling 3,400 kilometres worth Sh102 billion were received. Of these 1,400 killometres worth Sh42 billion are ready and will be launched next week," said Mosonik.

Speaking during the end year party for Mombasa port stakeholders hosted by the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) in Mombasa, the PS said the projects under the 'Low Volume Sealed Roads' will see the tarmacking of roads across the country.

He also said the African Development Bank has signed an agreement to finance the Malindi-Mombasa- Lunga Lunga road to link the Port of Mombasa to northeastern parts of Tanzania.

The construction is expected to take three years and will start early next year.

Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia said in a speech read on his behalf by Mosonik that the development of key and strategic infrastructure will spur economic growth through increased investment.

Macharia said the Government has already received financial support from the Africa Development Bank for the construction of the Mariakani-Mombasa dual carriage road highway to ease traffic flow between Mombasa and the hinterland.

"Ongoing construction of alternative route from Mombasa port to Burundi through Voi,Taita Taveta, Holili borders, Singida-Kobera border and finally to Bujumbura will also boost trade," said Macharia in a speech.

He said other infrastructure projects underway including the expansion of the Moi International Airport in Mombasa and Kisumu Airport will boost transport services in the country once complete.

"The first phase of the standard gauge railway development that is being undertaken by the China Road and Bridge Corporation with funds from Exim Bank of China is 60 per cent complete. The track laying process has commenced in earnest. The project will meet its timeline and will be completed by 2017 as scheduled," said Mosonik.

KPA Managing Director Gichiri Ndua said construction of the second container terminal at the port was 95 per cent complete.