President William Ruto has explained why the expansion of the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway into a dual carriageway has not happened, giving new timelines for the project.
Speaking at Kipkorgot AIC Church in Uasin Gishu on Sunday, Ruto noted that previous plans to construct a dual carriageway connecting Nairobi and Nakuru did not materialise due to a breach of contract by a French company that had been tasked with the construction.
We had a PPP program with a French company, but it did not work out. However, we have alternatives that we are working on as a government.
He noted that in a bid to alleviate traffic congestion on the busy highway as was witnessed recently, the government will begin construction of a dual carriageway connecting Nairobi and Nakuru next year.
Construction in phases
Ruto stated that the project will be implemented in phases, with the initial one seeing the dualling of the highway from Nairobi to Nakuru while phase two will see it extended from Nakuru to Malaba.
The commitment I want to give you is that next year, we will begin the construction of the dual carriageway from Nairobi to Nakuru first, and then from Nakuru to Malaba.
Apart from creating employment opportunities, the infrastructure project will improve travel and trade along the corridor and alleviate the perennial traffic snarl-ups.
Source of vaccine & planned nationwide vaccination of livestock
He also defended the planned nationwide vaccination of livestock that has been met with resistance and has dominated headlines in recent days with politicians and farmers suspicious of the initiative.
The President stated that the vaccination will be of benefit to farmers as it will help in preventing diseases like foot and mouth, saving farmers from losses that could arise from the disease and safeguard the livestock economy.
The vaccine is manufactured locally at Kabete, one of the largest vaccine facilities in Africa, and is also exported to other countries
Lower inflation & Kenya's economic progress
Highlighting some of his achievements, Ruto noted that lower inflation, increased exports, and the country's food security are evidence of Kenya's economic progress.
According to the President, his government’s investment in subsidies on agricultural inputs has resulted in increased local food production and eliminated the need for maize and sugar imports.