The chairperson of the National Assembly Budget and Appropriations Committee, Ndindi Nyoro says that a total of Sh57 billion has been set aside for roads in this financial year to complete ongoing construction projects.

Among the roads to be completed are the Maumau roads serving Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties which has been allocated approximately five billion shillings.

‘Each of the Maumau roads will be allocated between Sh500 million and one billion shillings,’ he said, noting that those roads are crucial for movement of people and goods in the central region.

Nyoro assured Kenyans that the committee will ensure the funds are released from the Treasury as soon as the budget is passed so that the contractors can get back to work.

Nyoro who doubles up as Kiharu Member of Parliament (MP) was speaking at Gitui shopping centre after flagging off the construction of feeder roads in various parts of Kiharu constituency.

He took pride in the fact that most of the major roads in his constituenc
y were tarmacked during his first term as MP so he is now left with minor connecting roads that will be done through the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA).

‘We are flagging off the upgrading of the road connecting Karichungu – Gitui – Kirogo areas because such roads are important for improving the livelihoods of the people,’ he stated.

‘Other roads to be tarmacked are the Gaitheri – Thuita road and Kiaguthu – Kaganda road,’ he added.

The MP proposed that such projects should use local contractors and all unskilled labour given to the residents so that they can also benefit from the construction of the roads.

Meanwhile, Nyoro stated that following recommendations by the Justice Maraga taskforce the Budget Committee has allocated Sh3.5 billion in 2024/2025 for the review of the salaries of officers under the National Police Service (NPS).

‘We have seen it necessary to increase the salaries of our police officers; to give them better compensation for their services and improve their standards of living so
that they can take good care of their families,’ he said.

He noted that the budget that will be presented to the President this week also includes Sh18.5 billion for the confirmation of Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers to permanent and pensionable terms and that the fertilizer subsidy program that has been allocated Sh7.5 billion.

‘We have ensured that essential sectors of our economy are funded,’ Nyoro said.

He also revealed that Sh1 billion will be going towards sugar reforms, Sh3 billion to the Coffee Cherry Fund and Sh1.5 billion for the New KCC to ensure the stability of milk prices.

Wangu ward MCA Margaret Wanjiku on her part said the tarmacking of connecting roads will open up small shopping centers for business and therefore improve the quality of life of the residents.

‘We are happy for these new roads that will open up the villages for development and ease the movement of people and farm produce to the markets,’ Wanjiku said.

She noted that visible development projects such as roads enha
nce the people’s confidence in their elected leaders.

Source: Kenya News Agency