Kenyans across the country are set to see renewed road works after the government cleared all the unpaid bills for road contractors, amounting to Sh177 billion, which have been pending since 2020.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the settling of the bills has paved the way for the resumption of construction of roads that had stalled for years because of non-payment.
The DP at the Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, received a status report on the ongoing roads, bridges and other major infrastructure projects being undertaken by the Ministry of Roads and Transport.
“The Government has cleared the entire amount of pending bills owed to contractors, a total of Sh177 billion, which remained unpaid since 2020, leading to the stalling of the construction of 6,000 kilometres of roads across Kenya,” DP noted.The DP said the government is working hard to provide funds for the completion of the 6,000 km of roads to avert delayed payments.
“Contractors are now back on site, and adequate resources have been mobilised to ensure contractors are paid promptly,” he stated.Kindiki also inspected the ongoing construction of the KSh 5.6 billion, 66-kilometre Taveta–Challa–Njukini–Rombo–Ilasit–Loitoktok highway in Challa, Taita Taveta County, noting that works are progressing at an impressive pace and are expected to be completed by 31 December 2026, six months ahead of schedule.
The long-awaited project, which residents of Taita Taveta and Kajiado County have sought for over three decades, will enhance trade, strengthen cross-border ties along the Kenya–Tanzania border, and significantly reduce travel time between Taveta and Nairobi.
With 16.5 kilometres already completed on the Taveta side and major earthworks advancing, he also assured residents that the Government has cleared KSh 177 billion in pending road sector bills, unlocking stalled projects nationwide, and pledged to return to inspect progress on the Kajiado section.
