President William Ruto says the reason for Kenya’s higher fuel prices compared to its neighbors in the region is mainly because the revenues derived from fuel go towards supporting the country’s transport infrastructure and other related development projects.
The President, who was addressing a congregation at the recently inaugurated headquarters of the African Gospel Church in Karen Nairobi said that the most important factor that determines the fuel price in Kenya is the country’s status as a middle-income country and therefore its citizens’ ability to pay for the continued upgrade of road networks all over the country.
In his remarks, the Head of State said that the levies on fuel are at the moment being used to maintain over 20,000 kilometres of roads, and that another 6,000 kilometres are under construction.
He stated that within a period of seven years the government expects to have a grand total of 28,000 kilometres of roads that will be tarmacked, as they are seen as a vehicle through which the goals of the country for infrastructure expansion, strengthening of connectivity and stimulation of economic growth can be met.
He further disclosed that one of the ways in which they are planning to develop local commerce and at the same time support small-scale traders is through the construction of 600 markets.
Regarding the Nairobi urban renewal, the President said that the national government and the Nairobi County Government have come to an agreement on street lighting, with an initial roll-out of 40,000 street lights set to commence next week.
