Deputy President Kithure Kindiki Speaking at a rally Kanyakine in Imenti South on September 11, 2026. Photo by Dennis Dibondo. 
By Dennis Dibondo, Meru
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced a Sh39 billion road construction programme in Meru County as the Government intensifies efforts to open up rural areas, improve connectivity and reduce the cost of transporting farm produce.
Speaking at Kanyakine in Imenti South, Prof Kindiki said several roads that residents had pursued for years were now under construction or at various stages of implementation, including the Kionyo-Kanyakine-Muti O’Kiama-Ketha Kanaro-Mitunguu road.
The Deputy President said the Government had already provided resources for the project and expressed confidence that the contractor would complete the works.
“We have sought this road for a very long time. I have seen that it is progressing well, it has started well, it is progressing well and we have a good contractor. This contractor will deliver. This one will deliver,” he said.
Kindiki said the Government would address Meru’s infrastructure needs progressively, depending on the availability of resources, urging residents to remain patient as projects are rolled out.
“We will do all the roads one at a time, step by step. Rome was not built in a day,” he said.
He further announced that 17 kilometres of roads in Meru Town would be upgraded at a cost of Sh3.7 billion, noting that funding had been secured and a contractor identified.
The Government is also implementing 21 market projects across the county, including the Gakoromoni market, alongside investments in water and sewerage infrastructure.
Prof Kindiki linked the road projects to the Government’s broader economic agenda, saying improved infrastructure would enable farmers to transport their produce more efficiently, access markets and reduce the cost of essential services.
The announcement comes amid a reduction in the cost of agricultural inputs aimed at easing the financial burden on farmers. A 50-kilogramme bag of subsidised fertiliser is now retailing at Sh2,000, down from Sh7,000 in 2022.
The price of certified maize seed has also been reduced by half this season, with a kilogramme now costing Sh150, compared with Sh300 previously. A 2kg pack costs Sh300, while 10kg and 25kg packs are priced at Sh1,500 and Sh3,750 respectively.
The Government says the seed subsidy targets approximately 40 million kilogrammes of certified maize seed and represents an estimated Sh6 billion investment aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and improving farmers’ incomes.
Kindiki also highlighted other Government interventions in Meru, including expanded electricity connections, recruitment of teachers and Community Health Promoters, construction of classrooms and laboratories, expansion of technical education and increased access to healthcare through the Social Health Authority (SHA).
He urged leaders to prioritise development projects with long-term economic and social benefits rather than focusing on short-term political gains.
“Development is for generations. This road is not for UDA. This road is not for us who are here. After 100 years, this road will still be serving the people of this area, our children and our grandchildren,” he said.
The Deputy President also emphasised that successful development requires cooperation between leaders and citizens, acknowledging the role residents play in pushing authorities to deliver essential projects.
“There is no leader who can bring development alone. He is assisted by his seniors, he is assisted by his juniors, he is assisted by the citizens,” Prof Kindiki said.
