Uhuru defends huge investment in infrastructure projects
President Uhuru Kenyatta yesterday defended the huge investments by his government in infrastructure, saying they were key in enhancing integration not only in Kenya but also in Africa as a whole.
Speaking while commissioning the Nairobi Expressway and Eastern bypass, the Head of State said most of the projects initiated by his administration have made movement of goods easier thus reducing the time traders used to take moving from one place to another.
“As correctly identified in our Vision 2030 blueprint, a solid and functional infrastructure is a key enabler to the realisation of that national dream. Infrastructure is our greatest national asset and it will open up more opportunities for Kenya and the region at large,” he said.
In particular, Uhuru said the Expressway has proved its worth by reducing traffic congestion and enhancing mobility during the trial period by motorists.
“We dreamt of an end to the traffic gridlock in Nairobi that cost the nation about Sh5 million daily in traffic and fuel and the Nairobi Expressway has helped in doing just that,” he said.
He further stated that during the trials, the Nairobi Expressway has proved that it has impacted the manufacturing, tourism, hospitality sectors directly creating job and investment opportunities in the region.
“We have exceeded the number of vehicles that were expected on the Nairobi Expressway during the trial period, the returns may be achieved much sooner than projected,” the Head of State pointed out. He observed that the Expressway further complements the expansion of James Gichuru-Rironi road as well as feeding into the newly built Eastern and Western Bypass.
“During the trial period we have exceeded the number of vehicles that were expected to make use of the road and for that we thank our partners for the meticulous execution,” he stated.
Major role
Eastern Bypass, which is the final ring road in Nairobi, has been expanded from a single two-lane road to a dual four-lane carriageway.
The dualling of the 28km bypass began in November 2020 after the signing of a contract between Kenya Urban Roads Authority and China Communication Construction Company, which will be completing the Sh12.5 billion project.
President Uhuru said the road plays a major role in directing traffic away from Nairobi’s central business district, reducing travel times in and around the city.
The Eastern Bypass is a major transport artery that connects the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway with the Nairobi-Thika Highway; distributing traffic to the northern, eastern and southern precincts of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, boosting connectivity within the Nairobi Metropolis.
Director-General KURA Silas Kinoti described the road as a game-changer, since it connects to most parts of the city.
“ This is one of the best projects as an authority we have done. As a country we should be proud to have such infrastructure,” he said.
