Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki after commissioning the electrification project at Aguthi village in Kieni, Nyeri County yesterday
By Rodgers Wagura and William Muchiri
Worth Noting:
- During the visit, the Deputy President inspected the ongoing roadworks on the Endarasha-Charity-Gakanga-Embaringo-Kimunyuru-Junction -Mweiga-Mairo roads, a 66.9-kilometer stretch being upgraded to bitumen standard.
- The project, which commenced in August 2019 at a cost of Ksh 2.3 billion, is expected to be completed by August next year. He spoke to the public at Watuka shopping centre in Kieni East subcounty.
- He said that just like other projects in other parts of the country, the road stalled due to lack of funds which were catalysed by the Covid19 pandemic and economic recession across the world.
- Further, he noted, when President William Ruto took over leadership of the country, he started by acting on immediate needs of all Kenyans like fixing prices of essential commodities and stabilising the currency.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the government remains steadfast in accelerating infrastructure development to spur economic growth and improve livelihoods.
Speaking during an inspection tour in Kieni Constituency, Kindiki noted that the country’s economy was out of the woods and promised Kenyans that they would start realising unprecedented development activities.
To demonstrate the change of development tides across the country, the DP disclosed that Nyeri county would receive Ksh17 billion over the next three years for 12 road construction and upgrades.
During the visit, the Deputy President inspected the ongoing roadworks on the Endarasha-Charity-Gakanga-Embaringo-Kimunyuru-Junction -Mweiga-Mairo roads, a 66.9-kilometer stretch being upgraded to bitumen standard.
The project, which commenced in August 2019 at a cost of Ksh 2.3 billion, is expected to be completed by August next year. He spoke to the public at Watuka shopping centre in Kieni East subcounty.
He said that just like other projects in other parts of the country, the road stalled due to lack of funds which were catalysed by the Covid19 pandemic and economic recession across the world.
Further, he noted, when President William Ruto took over leadership of the country, he started by acting on immediate needs of all Kenyans like fixing prices of essential commodities and stabilising the currency.
Having worked on the essentials, the DP explained, it was now the turn of focusing on major economic sectors like infrastructure.
“The government is committed to ensuring that all ongoing infrastructural projects are completed within the stipulated timelines. These roads will boost connectivity, ease transportation of goods and services, and open up economic opportunities for the people of Nyeri, and other parts of the country ” Kindiki said.
The Ksh17 billion infrastructure investment will fund the construction and rehabilitation of 12 key roads, covering a total of 464 kilometers across Nyeri County.
This initiative aligns with the government’s broader economic transformation agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure, energy, and trade development.
Deputy President Kindiki was accompanied by key government officials, including Principal Secretaries Alex Wachira (Energy), Joseph Mbugua (Roads), and Ann Wang’ombe (Gender).
Also present were Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga, Members of Parliament Wainaina Njoroge (Kieni), Duncan Mathenge (NyeriTown), Eric Wamumbi (Mathira), and Woman Representative Rahab Mukami.
Several other Members of Parliament, including Josses Lelmengit (Emgwen), Mohamed Adow (Wajir South), Ellie Letipila (Samburu North), John Bwire (Taveta), Titus Lotee (Kacheliba), Joseph Wainaina (Nominated), and Dorothy Muthoni (Nominated) and a few members of the Nyeri County Assembly attended the tour.
Local leaders urged residents to support the government’s development agenda, emphasizing that infrastructure projects should remain a priority beyond political differences.
Kieni MP Wainaina Njoroge who hosted the team lauded the initiative, stating:
“We appreciate the government’s commitment to upgrading our roads. This will go a long way in improving transportation efficiency and creating a better business environment for our people.”
Kindiki also urged contractors to adhere to project timelines and maintain quality standards, assuring residents of continued government support for critical infrastructure projects.
The Deputy President also launched the Ksh8.6 billion Last Mile Connectivity Project in Aguthi, Kieni East subcounty.
The initiative aims to connect over 150,000 households in the Mt. Kenya region to the national electricity grid, enhancing economic growth and improving residents’ livelihoods.
During the launch, Kindiki switched on the Rural Electrification Project for Aguthi Village, a project targeting 101 homes in the rural village.
One of the beneficiaries, Lydia Wairimu Karoki, a 73-year-old widow and mother of five, was among the residents who had their homes connected to electricity.
The DP personally switched on the power to her house.
“I am happy to have been connected to electricity today. I am also happy to host the Deputy President of Kenya here at my home,” said Mrs. Karoki.
In Nyeri County alone, 10,903 households have benefitted from the Last Mile Electricity Connectivity Programme , with a total of Ksh. 733 million allocated for its expansion.
For Kieni Constituency. Ksh164 million has been set aside to connect 1,163 households to the national grid.
The DP emphasized the government’s commitment to universal electricity access, stating, “We have raised the number of people with electricity from 2.7 million in 2013 to 9 million in 2025. There are still many areas without connection, which is why we have allocated funds to connect 1 million more Kenyans in the next 20 months.”
With the government’s commitment to road and electricity infrastructure, residents of Nyeri County remain hopeful that these projects will significantly impact their daily lives.
The improved road network is expected to enhance trade, agriculture, and transportation, reducing costs and travel time for farmers and businesses.
Additionally, expanded electricity access will boost economic activities, enhance education, and improve healthcare services.
As the government pushes forward with its economic transformation agenda, Deputy President Kindiki assured residents that more development projects would follow, ushering in a new era of modernized infrastructure, better connectivity, and economic prosperity for Nyeri County.