The Government has prioritised 692 kilometres of roads for tarmacking in Kilifi County at a cost of Sh33 billion, Deputy President, Prof. Kithure Kindiki, has announced.
Kindiki said 240 kilometres had already been completed at a cost of Sh14 billion, adding that the remaining projects, would improve connectivity and stimulate economic activities across the County.
Speaking at Mkapuni in Rabai Constituency during his development tour of the Coast Region, the Deputy President said the government was committed to expanding road networks in historically marginalised areas to accelerate development.
“We are expanding road networks in marginalised areas, so as to spur development towards achieving our Singapore dream,” he said.
Kindiki said the government was also investing in youth-focused programmes, noting that digital infrastructure was creating opportunities for young people to participate in the global digital economy.
He commissioned the Rabai Digital Hub and Huduma Centre and presided over the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the Rabai Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Hub in Ruruma.
He said ICT hubs being established across the country, would equip young people with digital skills and provide access to online employment opportunities, which he described as the future of the global job market.
On electricity connectivity, Kindiki said the government had allocated Sh2.1 billion to projects, targeting an additional 23,500 households in Kilifi County.
He said the programme included 2,700 households in Rabai Constituency, which would benefit from electricity connections at a cost of Sh230 million.
“Electricity is every citizen’s right. With this, your children will be able to do their homework well, pass their examinations and eventually secure jobs, enabling them to help you build better-looking houses,” he said.
Earlier, the Deputy President commissioned the Mikahani-Bedida Rural Electrification Project, which has connected 40 households at a cost of Sh4 million.
The project was hosted at the home of beneficiaries, Edward Katana and his wife Margaret.
Nationally, Kindiki said the electricity expansion programme had connected 1.6 million households since September 2022, with the government targeting universal electricity access within the next three years.
On water infrastructure, he said the National Infrastructure Fund, would support the expansion of water harvesting, storage and distribution systems, to address shortages affecting domestic consumption and irrigation.
The Deputy President called for equitable distribution of national resources, saying historical inequalities had left some regions benefiting more than others from government investments in roads, electricity and water.
“Development must reach every part of Kenya. We must end discrimination and ensure that no region is left behind,” he said.
He urged political leaders to maintain peaceful campaigns ahead of the 2027 General Election, warning against rhetoric that could fuel hatred and ethnic divisions.
“Let us put an end to politics of insults, hatred, discrimination and division. That is not politics; it is destroying the nation,” Kindiki said.
Speaking at the same event, Taveta MP, John Bwire, said residents were more concerned about development and access to essential services than identity politics.
“We have no problem with identity. We need water, electricity, roads, ICT and employment for our children,” Bwire said.
Kindiki was accompanied by Rabai MP, Kenga Mupe, Ganze MP Kenneth Tungule, Taveta MP John Bwire, Members of the County Assembly and other grassroots leaders.
by Queen Wanzia and Stephen Mrira
