Murang'a: Members of Parliament allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration in the Mt Kenya region have assured Kenyans that major government development projects including road construction and affordable housing will be completed as promised. The leaders have urged residents to support the government's agenda, dismissing claims that key programmes had stalled.
According to Kenya News Agency, speaking during an empowerment forum in Pundamilia, Murang'a county, the legislators, led by Ndia Member of Parliament who is also the chairperson of the National Assembly's Roads Committee George Kariuki, said some contractors were back on site across the country after earlier delays. 'We want to assure Kenyans that the government is committed. More than 500 road projects are ongoing, and construction will be completed as scheduled to improve transport and boost trade,' Kariuki said.
He revealed that Sh15 billion has already been set aside for the Mbombo-Gwathamaki road, a flagship project in the Mt Kenya region. He added that funding for additional roads will be factored into the upcoming supplementary budget, with construction expected to start by November. 'Roads are lifelines for farmers and traders. Once complete, they will reduce transport costs, ease transportation and spur economic development,' Kariuki noted.
Alongside roads, Kariuki reaffirmed the government's commitment to delivering on the Affordable Housing Project, one of President William Ruto's flagship projects. The initiative would not only provide decent homes for ordinary Kenyans but also create thousands of jobs and urged residents to continue supporting the programme as a source of income and employment for millions of Kenyans. 'I ask residents in this region to support the housing project just as they support roads because when we stand together, these projects will succeed and transform our communities.'
The Murang'a Women Representative Betty Maina echoing similar remarks noted that roads and housing were central to transforming communities. 'Good infrastructure connects people to hospitals, schools and markets while affordable housing ensures families live in dignity. These are the kinds of projects that lift entire societies,' she said.
Maragua MP Mary Wamaua urged residents not to be swayed by critics. 'Let us give this government time to work. These projects will change lives, and with our support, even more will be achieved,' she added. 'As leaders, we are committed to ensuring these projects succeed. This is the only way to guarantee that our people see real benefits from the promises made,' she added.
Mathira MP Eric Wamumbi reaffirmed the Mt. Kenya region's commitment to standing with the government, saying the area had already benefitted from massive development. 'We cannot afford to play opposition politics while our people are enjoying recognition and development. This is the time to unite and push for progress,' Wamumbi said. He criticised opposition leaders for engaging in divisive politics rather than supporting policies that directly benefit citizens. 'Kenyans are not interested in endless rallies. They want roads, houses, markets, and jobs. That is what we are delivering,' he said.
The leaders maintained that the government was keen on ensuring development was spread across the country. They urged citizens to be patient as resources were mobilised and assured them that tangible results would soon be visible. The MPs pledged to intensify grassroots engagements to keep citizens informed about ongoing projects and counter misinformation, emphasising that the ultimate goal was to make government programmes visible at the community level.
James Mwangi, a local resident urged the government to move faster in completing roads, saying poor infrastructure had long overburdened farmers and traders. 'We are grateful that projects have resumed, but we want them finished quickly. Bad roads have made transport costly and stressful for years. If the government can hasten the work, our lives will be much easier,' he said.
During the forum business and social groups were empowered with tents and chairs, NGAAF cheques, and beehives while entrepreneurs abled differently received support to become self-reliant and also be employers in the region.