Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has outlined key infrastructure projects he believes should define President William Ruto’s legacy, urging speedy completion within the remaining years of his tenure.
Mbadi said the upgrade of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and the Rironi–Mau Summit road were among priority “pipeline projects” that must be delivered before the end of the Ruto’s two terms.
He drew parallels with past administrations, noting that the late President Mwai Kibaki is remembered for the Thika Superhighway and the LAPSSET project, while former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tenure is marked by the Nairobi Expressway and the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR).
“In my view, President Ruto should be remembered for JKIA and for progressing the SGR from Naivasha all the way to Malaba,” Mbadi said.
“These seven years remaining in Ruto’s presidency should help us realise that, starting with the remaining two years of the first term to ensure the Rironi–Mau Summit Road is actualised and, at the bare minimum, work on our airport begins.”
He spoke during a high-level symposium on Public Private Partnership (PPP) in Nairobi.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir was also present during the event, which brought together various stakeholders.
The CS emphasised that the government is under firm instructions to ensure the projects are completed on schedule, describing them as crucial for economic growth and national development.
President Ruto cancelled the planned upgrade of JKIA through a PPP by Adani Group in November 2024 following protests.
The deal would have seen the Indian company add a second runway and upgrade the passenger terminal at JKIA in exchange for a 30-year lease.
Chirchir revealed Monday that Kenya has formally invited development lenders, including JICA, China Exim, KfW, the European Investment Bank, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support the airport upgrade.
"Instead of bringing concessions to build the airport, we build the airport so that we can have concessions later," he stated.
Chirchir said once the funds have been secured, the government would then look for a contractor to carry out the work.
The construction of the Rironi-Mau summit highway is set to commence later this month, while the SGR construction is scheduled to start in December.
