Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki on Wednesday conducted a development tour of Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency in Tharaka Nithi County, where he inspected ongoing infrastructure projects and outlined major government investments aimed at boosting economic growth.
Speaking during a public engagement at Kaanwa Trading Centre, the Deputy President said the national government is implementing road projects spanning 412 kilometres across the county at an estimated cost of Sh21 billion.
Among the flagship projects is the construction of the Nithi Bridge, which is projected to cost Sh7 billion.
He added that rural electrification initiatives worth Sh1 billion are underway to expand power access, while affordable housing, fresh produce markets, and student accommodation projects are all valued at Sh7 billion.
On healthcare, Professor Kindiki noted that Taifa Care, the government’s universal health coverage programme, has recorded significant uptake in the region, adding that the County ranks among the top five counties in registration, with about 70 per cent of residents enrolled.
Nationally, the programme has registered 30.2 million Kenyans, a sharp increase from the 7 million who were previously covered under the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
During the tour, the Deputy President inspected the ongoing construction of the Kaanwa–Chuka Technical road, whose first phase covers six kilometres and is expected to extend to Mwanjati–Kamutiria, reaching approximately 19 kilometres.
He also reviewed progress on the Kibugua–Itugururu road, with plans for a second phase linking Itugururu to Ishiara to enhance connectivity between Tharaka Nithi and neighbouring Embu County.
Other roads under development in Chuka Igambang’ombe include the Itugururu–Kamaindi–Mate road, where a contractor is already on site, as well as proposed projects such as Kirege–Forest–Mubukuro and Magenka–Itugururu roads, which are currently at the tendering stage.
The Deputy President emphasized the need to consolidate shorter road segments into larger contracts of about 40 kilometres to improve efficiency and accelerate completion.
In Maara Constituency, he announced plans to soon unveil three new road projects and complete ongoing works to improve the area’s transport network, making it on par with the rest of the constituencies.
The Deputy President also assessed progress on key market infrastructure projects, announcing that the Chuka Modern Market, valued at Sh300 million is almost complete and is expected to be commissioned soon by President William Ruto.
The DP also inspected the construction of the Cheera fresh produce market, estimated at Sh70 million, and announced that the Kaanwa market project, valued at Sh200 million, will be launched soon.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding economic infrastructure across the county, including the rollout of last-mile electricity connectivity to increase household access to power.
During the tour, the DP was accompanied by leaders from the County including Governor Muthomi Njuki, Deputy Governor Nderebia Nyaga Muisraeli, Woman Representative Susan Ngugi, Members of Parliament Patrick Munene and Kareke Mbiuki, as well as other local leaders.
By Dickson Mwiti
