Mbadi Criticizes Uhuru-Era Infrastructure Projects Amid Nairobi-Nakuru Highway Congestion

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has criticized major infrastructure priorities implemented under former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, citing severe congestion experienced as Kenyans traveled home for Christmas.

Speaking at the funeral service of Mama Anne Nanyama, mother to National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, on Friday, January 3, Mbadi questioned the decision-making process behind funding key infrastructural developments during previous regimes.

Mbadi argued that poor fiscal choices have left the current government facing criticism.

“We borrowed money to build roads to some villages, enabling people to reach their homes in minutes, yet no one prioritized upgrading the crucial Nairobi-Nakuru Highway to a dual carriageway,” Mbadi remarked.

Motorists faced massive traffic jams along the Narok-Nakuru highway on August 20, 2024, highlighting the infrastructure challenges.

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Mbadi also questioned the economic logic behind prioritizing certain road constructions while neglecting others that could yield higher returns. Although he avoided naming specific roads, he criticized the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project for stopping at Naivasha instead of extending to Malaba as originally planned.

In what appeared to be a veiled attack on the previous administration, Mbadi defended the current government against accusations of financial mismanagement. He argued that the struggling economy cannot be entirely blamed on President William Ruto’s leadership.

“If we’re struggling economically, it’s due to two factors—public debt and pending bills. Are we saying these issues only emerged under Ruto’s presidency?” Mbadi questioned.

He urged Kenyans to acknowledge the origins of the country’s financial difficulties rather than unfairly blaming the current administration.

The Mombasa-Nairobi phase of the SGR cost Ksh327 billion, while the Naivasha extension added Ksh150 billion. Completing the final phase to Malaba is projected to require Ksh380 billion.

Upgrading the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway to a dual carriageway is expected to cost approximately Ksh180 billion, which would need to be sourced from the Treasury or other funding avenues.

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