President William Ruto with Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga at the Africa Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) Mahiga in Othaya on April 2, 2026/ PCS

The momentum of road construction received a boost after President William Ruto announced the release of Sh20 billion to contractors beginning next week.

The President said the funds will ensure the uninterrupted construction of roads across the country.

The move comes barely a month after the government cleared pending road bills worth Sh177 billion in February, some dating back to 2020, paving the way for stalled projects to resume.

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Speaking at the Africa Independent Pentecostal Church of Africa (AIPCA) Mahiga in Othaya constituency, Nyeri county, the President said the region has been allocated Sh8 billion for expansion of roads.

"The tarmacking of Mau Mau roads, which had stalled, is now going on, while several others are being improved to ease the movement of goods and services," he said.

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He added that the Kenol-Marua dual carriageway, spanning Murang'a, Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties, is now 90 per cent complete, up from 30 per cent in 2022.

"When completed, the dual carriageway will be extended to Nyeri town and Nanyuki," the President said.

Ruto said the government is prioritising equitable development across the country, focusing on infrastructure, education, housing, agriculture, water and health.

"I want to assure Kenyans that my administration is implementing the promises it made to Kenyans without bias," he said.

In Nyeri county, the government has allocated Sh13 billion for the construction of 5,700 affordable houses.

An additional Sh1.8 billion has been set aside to build 18 modern markets, including in Othaya, Kagicha and Ndunyu, with another planned for Witima township.

The President said Sh130 million has been allocated for hostels at the Kenya Medical Training College in Othaya.

He added that Mwai Kibaki Referral Hospital in Othaya has been elevated to national status and allocated Sh500 million for infrastructure and equipment.

The Nyeri County Referral Hospital has also been allocated Sh1 billion for expansion and upgrading.

In sports, Ruto said Ruring'u Stadium in Nyeri town is being upgraded for Sh900 million and is expected to be ready by December.

On health, the President commended Nyeri residents for registering with the Social Health Authority, saying the county ranks fifth nationally with 543,000 people registered, representing 70 per cent of its population.

He said the authority has so far paid hospitals in Nyeri county Sh3.2 billion for services.

The President said reforms in the coffee sector have improved earnings, with prices rising from an average of Sh60 per kilogramme in 2022 to Sh160.

Responding to concerns raised by church leaders, Ruto said the National Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse has been directed to deal firmly with drug and alcohol abuse.

"To defeat drugs and alcohol abuse, what is required is a whole-of-society approach," he said.

He urged leaders to focus on development agendas instead of engaging in propaganda and insults.

Nyeri Governor Kahiga Mutai welcomed the President's commitments, citing support for health facilities and infrastructure projects in the county.

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku and local MPs also addressed the gathering.