Ruto gives contractor one month to complete stalled road project
President William Ruto has announced that the long-delayed tarmacking of the Kaelo-Kamukunji-Mutuati Road in Igembe North
President William Ruto has announced that the long-delayed tarmacking of the Kaelo-Kamukunji-Mutuati Road in Igembe North, Meru County, will be completed within one and a half months, nearly three years after the project was launched.
Speaking during the burial of Patrick Baikilanya, the father of Igembe North MP Julius M’anaiba, on Saturday, July 11, the President said he had resolved issues with the contractor, allowing works on the project to resume.
Ruto said the contractor returned to the site about two weeks ago and had been directed to fast-track the works to ensure the project is completed within the set timeline.
“The contractor arrived at Kaelo about two weeks ago. I have directed them to work on the project quickly so that within one month or one and a half months, I can return to launch the completed road,” he said.
For years, Igembe North residents have raised concerns over the stalled 9.76-kilometre road project, which was set to be upgraded to bitumen standards at a cost of Ksh630 million under the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
The President launched the project in 2023 as part of efforts to improve transport links in Igembe North, with an initial completion date set for December of that year.
In 2025, concerns over the stalled project prompted questions in Parliament over its status and the measures being taken to ensure completion.
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During a National Assembly session in November 2025, M’anaiba had sought answers on the delays, noting that the stalled road had affected access to markets, health facilities and schools.
In response, road officials said some projects had been delayed due to outstanding payments to contractors, with agreements later reached to allow works to resume.
During the burial, Ruto also highlighted other road projects in the area, saying the government had set aside Ksh1.7 billion to improve connectivity in the region.
He said a Ksh113 million project linking Mea and Buluu to Ndunyu was already underway and would enhance transport links in the area.
The President further announced plans to repair the road from Laare to Antubetwe road until Kina as part of efforts to improve road infrastructure in Igembe North.
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