The government is set to tarmac 1,656 kilometers of roads in Kiambu County at a cost of   Sh152 billion in a bid to improve connectivity and support economic growth.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said 368 kilometres had already been completed at a cost of Sh20 billion, while another 247 kilometres were under construction with others at the design stages.

Speaking in Thika on Monday after inspecting the completed Gatuanyaga Fresh Produce Market and launching the tarmacking of the 6.2-kilometre Kwaheri-Maria Magdalena Road at a cost of Sh395 million, Kindiki said the government was committed to completing ongoing projects within set timelines.

“The roads that have been completed by this administration are 368 kilometres, costing Sh20 billion, while 247 kilometres are ongoing and will be completed within the course of the programme,” Kindiki said.

In Thika town, he said Sh1.6 billion had been allocated through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority to upgrade 27.7 kilometres of roads, while 12.5 kilometres of link roads in Ngoingwa would be upgraded at Sh720 million.

Kindiki said a contractor would be on site within a week for the Juja-Ndarugo-Thika-Kimuchu Primary School Road, with roads in Makongeni Estate also lined up for improvement.

The Government, he added, was undertaking designs for a proposed Thika-Nairobi expressway under a public-private partnership to ease congestion along the busy corridor.

“Once the expressway is complete, travelers will have choices either to move using the express way or the normal route. This would reduce traffic at the busy superhighway,” Kindiki said.

On the stalled Gatuanyaga-Munyu-Komo road in the constituency that was launched years ago, the DP said the government will address delays and ensure the project is completed.

Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a said the infrastructure would improve livelihoods and unlock the town’s economic potential, urging residents to embrace leaders committed to development.

She said improved road infrastructure would open up Thika for investment and support its transformation into a smart city.

“The roads will open up Thika to business as it readies itself to become a smart city. The stadium we hope will hold the upcoming Jamhuri day celebrations as well as next year’s African Cup of Nations where Kenya will be among the hosts,” said Ng’ang’a.

 by Muoki Charles