By F, KNA
Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative is beginning to bear fruit across various parts of the country, with development projects being implemented efficiently without increasing the national debt or raising taxes on citizens.
Speaking during the inspection of the ongoing Lot 15 road construction across six counties in Central Region, Economic Planning Principal Secretary, Boniface Makokha, and engineers from the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) underscored benefits of the PPP model.
He expressed satisfaction with the progress of the roads under the partnership program.
“The PPP model is one of the transformative models that ensures that the government executes critical infrastructure projects without relying heavily on external borrowing or placing an immediate financial burden on taxpayers,” Makokha said.
The government is implementing an ambitious Sh8 billion road construction project under the PPP model, covering six counties in the region.
The road annuity Lot 15 project covers Nyeri with 11.51 kilometers, Kirinyaga 4.10 kilometers, Murang’a 8.9 kilometers, Embu 10.06 kilometers, Tharaka Nithi 6.97 kilometers and Laikipia 3.18 kilometers.
“These roads are being constructed to high standards, integrating proper drainage, clear road markings, and using alternative materials that help prevent theft and damage to infrastructure,” said Makhoha.
The Ndikwe –Kiria road in Kiharu constituency is one of the completed projects under the programme with the road now in operations and maintenance phase under a 10-year contract.
He said that initial feedback from residents has been positive as boda boda operators reported shorter travel times and increased earnings due to improved connectivity while property values along the corridor have risen.
Kelvin Mutemi, an engineer with KURA, explained that the project incorporates modern construction techniques to ensure durability and safety.
“We are currently in the maintenance phase of two roads in Murang’a and we are also sensitizing the public to avoid vandalism of road signs as a matter of safety aspect; it is pivotal to have them in place.”
“We are also opting for alternative materials like plastics instead of steel which is easily sold as scrap therefore easily vandalized.”
Stephen Malowa, a PPP committee officer, added that the arrangement protects citizens from the financial pressures of traditional funding methods, allowing the government to spread costs over several years rather than collecting large sums up front.
“In the conventional approach, government agencies budget for projects, seek parliamentary approval for funds, tender for a contractor, pay for construction and then assume responsibility for maintenance. If funds are not unavailable, projects can stall for years,” he said.
Under PPP, the contractor mobilizes capital, constructs the road to specified standards and maintains it over the agreed period.
Malowa acknowledged that PPP projects may appear more expensive at face value compared to conventionally procured roads but noted that the cost includes long term maintenance, road signage, markings, drainage systems, pavements and strict performance standards.
“If the contractor does not maintain the road surface, signage and markings as agreed, they do not get paid,” he said, noting that the performance-based structure guarantees quality over the life of the contract.
He said the committee’s mandate spans the entire project cycle from approval of the concept to implementation and final inspection, with a strong focus on field verification to ensure value for money.
Residents in Kiharu expressed delight with the project, noting that the new roads have eased transportation and improved accessibility, while also increasing the value of land along the road corridors.
“Travel has become much easier, and the value of land around these roads has risen significantly,” said George Macharia, a local resident.
Kamau Gikonyo, another resident, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the benefits of improved road networks for trade, mobility, and access to services.
“Ferrying clients is now easy and efficient, even time and money spent in garages to repair our motorbikes has significantly reduced.”
“This area is an agriculture rich area so even farmers will have it easy to take the produce to markets.”
Under the PPP arrangement, the contractor finances construction, delivers the road to agreed standards and maintains it throughout the contract period.