CS John Mbadi vows to help Ruto secure funds for stalled road projects

Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has committed to helping President William Ruto secure the necessary funds to restart stalled road projects across the country.

Speaking during a meeting with local boda-boda stakeholders in Kanyasa Ward, Nyatike Constituency, hosted by MP Tom Odege, Mbadi emphasised his dedication to ensuring that pending bills totalling Sh166 billion for roads are cleared, allowing contractors to resume their work.

"The issue of roads is very important and critical. When you move across the country, all road projects have stalled," Mbadi remarked, highlighting the dire state of road infrastructure. He further elaborated that while contracts have been awarded, a lack of funding has halted progress. Contracts are awarded, but there is no funding," he added.

Mbadi promised to do everything within his capacity as Treasury CS to ensure President Ruto secures the necessary resources to complete these vital development projects.

"I am going to make sure that I help the president get resources to restart all the roads across the country and pay all the pending bills of Sh166 billion for roads," he stated.

Mbadi also touched on his political stance ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, expressing his support for President Ruto should Raila Odinga choose not to run.

Treasury and Foreign Affairs CSs John Mbadi and Musalia Mudavadi witness President William Ruto ratify Kenya's agreement with AIIB to join the bank as a fully paid member on Tuesday, August 3, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

"What can make me make a U-turn is when Raila vies for the presidency. If Raila does not vie, I will not have any doubt but vote for Ruto," the CS said, urging the Nyanza region to strengthen ties with the current administration.

He emphasised the importance of maintaining unity between Raila and Ruto, stating, "We must choose our friends."

He reflected on the 2007 elections and reminded the audience that the Rift Valley people supported Raila, demonstrating the potential for strong alliances between the regions. Mbadi urged Nyanza to be prepared for future political opportunities, saying, "Nyanza should be ready so that when President Ruto gets out of the presidency in 2032, they are also at the table."

Addressing the public transport sector, Mbadi highlighted the need for discipline and order, which has been a significant challenge for operators.

"We want discipline in public transport," he remarked, noting that indiscipline has made it difficult for the sector to secure insurance. He pledged to work with his colleagues in the Interior and Transport Ministries to restore order to public transport, similar to the reforms introduced by former Transport Minister John Michuki.