President William Ruto has unveiled an ambitious initiative to tarmac 28,000 kilometres of roads over the next decade as part of a comprehensive infrastructure strategy designed to elevate Kenya to the status of a first-world economy.
Addressing participants at the 19th Ambassadors and High Commissioners Conference in Nairobi on Saturday, Ruto stated that authorities are intensifying investments in infrastructure and connectivity to broaden the nation’s road infrastructure and enhance transportation efficiency.
He highlighted that road construction remains a primary focus for numerous Kenyans, frequently taking center stage in public gatherings throughout the nation, and emphasized the necessity of a systematic strategy rather than fragmented initiatives.
Should you attend any gathering in Kenya, someone will inevitably inquire about roadsthis road, that road, and countless others. We cannot persist with discussions about 10 kilometres here and 20 kilometres there. We simply must develop a comprehensive blueprint and execute it,” Ruto stated.
The President referenced global benchmarks to underscore the magnitude of his vision, observing that Japan had paved nearly one million kilometres of roadways over sixty years, underscoring Kenya’s imperative to substantially hasten its infrastructure advancement.
According to Ruto, the administration intends to build at least 2,500 kilometres of dual carriageways and 28,000 kilometres of supplementary roadways within the upcoming seven to ten-year period.
Concurrently, authorities will modernize rail networks and enhance airport and seaport facilities to establish Kenya as a regional trade and logistics center.
Our objective is to pave an additional 28,000 kilometers across Kenya in the coming decade. This is achievable, and we will accomplish it. Should you participate in any meeting within Kenya, someone will inevitably raise the subject of roads,” he declared.
The President further elaborated that enhancing port infrastructure, particularly at the Port of Mombasa, will be crucial in fostering the nation’s economic expansion and optimizing cargo transportation efficiency.
The infrastructure initiative constitutes a component of an expansive development agenda that additionally aims to increase energy production from the present 3,300 megawatts to a minimum of 10,000 megawatts to bolster industrial activities, innovation, and equitable economic advancement.
Ruto additionally disclosed that authorities intend to make substantial investments in water and agricultural infrastructure, encompassing the development of at least 50 mega dams and over 1,000 micro and small dams to augment irrigation capabilities and reinforce long-term water resource security.
This represents the scope of our aspirations. We project that these undertakings will necessitate considerable and continuous funding of no less than Sh5 trillion ($40 billion),” he remarked, emphasizing that the nation must expedite its development endeavors to achieve its economic transformation objectives.
To facilitate this program, Ruto indicated that authorities have established a National Infrastructure Fund designed to attract long-term financial resources from both local and global investors to fund extensive projects.
Ruto conveyed assurance that the necessary financing will be obtained, asserting that the administration is dedicated to completing the projects and upgrading infrastructure nationwide.