Settlement of pending bills expected to unlock stalled projects and accelerate infrastructure delivery nationwide
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced that the government has cleared Sh177 billion in outstanding arrears owed to road contractors, a move set to pave the way for the resumption of stalled infrastructure projects across the country. The settlement signals a renewed commitment by the administration to address pending bills that have slowed development and strained contractors in recent years.
Prof. Kindiki said the clearance has already enabled contractors to return to project sites, with construction work resuming on major road corridors nationwide. He cited key routes stretching from Namanga to Moyale, Busia to Lamu, as well as the Mau Mau roads in Central Kenya, which had stalled due to delayed payments. The government expects the renewed activity to accelerate connectivity and stimulate economic growth in multiple regions.
The Deputy President emphasized that settling pending bills, especially in the roads sector, is a deliberate strategy to restore confidence among contractors, suppliers and investors. By honoring financial obligations, the government aims to ensure smoother project implementation, reduce costly delays and strengthen partnerships needed to deliver critical national infrastructure.
He noted that the infrastructure push forms part of the broader development agenda under President William Ruto, with the administration targeting the construction of at least 6,000 kilometres of tarmac roads before the end of the year. According to Kindiki, the coming months will see visible transformation as resumed projects move toward completion and new ones begin.
Prof. Kindiki also acknowledged the contributions of past administrations in expanding Kenya’s road network. He credited former President Mwai Kibaki for laying the foundation for major infrastructure expansion, while noting that retired President Uhuru Kenyatta further accelerated road construction during his tenure. The current government, he said, is building on this legacy while prioritising completion of stalled works.
Beyond roads, the Deputy President said the government is prioritising electricity connectivity and the construction of modern markets as part of a wider economic transformation programme. He attributed the renewed infrastructure momentum to improved economic stability following fiscal and monetary measures introduced over the past two years to steer the country out of a slowdown linked largely to the Covid-19 period.
Kindiki pointed to interventions such as fertiliser subsidies, which lowered prices significantly and boosted agricultural production, contributing to lower food costs. He also noted that deliberate policy measures have helped stabilise the Kenyan shilling against the US dollar, improving the macroeconomic environment and creating fiscal space for development spending, including infrastructure and public service investments.
Speaking during a development tour in Nyeri County, the Deputy President reaffirmed that the administration remains focused on service delivery rather than early political campaigns. He urged leaders and residents, particularly in the Mount Kenya region which strongly supported the government in the 2022 elections, to continue backing the administration as it works to fulfil its promises. The clearance of road contractors’ arrears, he concluded, demonstrates the government’s resolve to pay pending bills, restart stalled projects and fast-track national development.
