Chuka: Deputy President Professor Kithure Kindiki conducted a development tour of Chuka Igambang’ombe Constituency in Tharaka Nithi County, inspecting infrastructure projects and outlining government investments aimed at boosting economic growth. Speaking at Kaanwa Trading Centre, the Deputy President highlighted the national government’s implementation of road projects spanning 412 kilometres in the county at an estimated cost of Sh21 billion.
According to Kenya News Agency, among the flagship projects is the Nithi Bridge construction, projected to cost Sh7 billion. Professor Kindiki also announced rural electrification initiatives worth Sh1 billion to expand power access, along with affordable housing, fresh produce markets, and student accommodation projects valued at Sh7 billion.
On healthcare, the Deputy President noted the significant uptake of Taifa Care, the government’s universal health coverage programme. He stated that Tharaka Nithi County ranks among the top five counties in registration, with about 70 percent of residents enrolled. Nationally, the programme has registered 30.2 million Kenyans, up from the 7 million previously covered under the now-defunct National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF).
During the tour, Professor Kindiki inspected the construction of the Kaanwa-Chuka Technical road, with its first phase covering six kilometres and plans to extend to Mwanjati-Kamutiria, reaching approximately 19 kilometres. He also reviewed progress on the Kibugua-Itugururu road, with a second phase planned to link Itugururu to Ishiara, enhancing connectivity between Tharaka Nithi and Embu County.
Other road developments include the Itugururu-Kamaindi-Mate road, where a contractor is on site, and proposed projects such as Kirege-Forest-Mubukuro and Magenka-Itugururu roads, currently at the tendering stage. The Deputy President emphasized consolidating shorter road segments into larger contracts of about 40 kilometres to improve efficiency and accelerate completion.
In Maara Constituency, he announced plans to unveil three new road projects and complete ongoing works to enhance the transport network, aligning it with other constituencies. He assessed progress on market infrastructure projects, announcing the near completion of the Chuka Modern Market, valued at Sh300 million, and its upcoming commissioning by President William Ruto.
The Deputy President also inspected the Cheera fresh produce market, estimated at Sh70 million, and announced the imminent launch of the Kaanwa market project, valued at Sh200 million. He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding economic infrastructure in the county, including last-mile electricity connectivity rollout to increase household power access.
During the tour, the Deputy President was accompanied by County leaders, including Governor Muthomi Njuki, Deputy Governor Nderebia Nyaga Muisraeli, Woman Representative Susan Ngugi, Members of Parliament Patrick Munene and Kareke Mbiuki, and other local leaders.
