Kenya could be in line to get modern roads and enhanced electricity supply following an agreement between the National Treasury and the European Union (EU).
On Friday, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi held a meeting with a European Union Infrastructure Fund official Edward Claessen. During the meeting, the two leaders deliberated on the partnership between the European Union and Kenya.
The discussions centered on reviewing ongoing development projects valued at Ksh35 billion (€260 million) and analyzing the status of upcoming projects and their funding prospects.
The two principals discussed the completion of the Olkaria Unit 6 Geothermal Project which is valued at Ksh16 billion (€114 million). They also weighed on the Kisumu Water Project which is currently under construction and valued at Ksh 4.9 billion.
During the meeting, Claessen disclosed the European Union's commitment to provide Ksh15.4 billion to complete the construction of the Mombasa-Mariakani Road and the Last Mile Connectivity Project.
The Mombasa-Mariakani Road project entails dualing of the 41km highway to increase trade and improve economic integration by providing a more efficient and effective transport system.
Other projects lined up for implementation include the Nairobi Sustainable Transport Programme which will oversee the construction of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 3.
The project is aimed at decongesting Nairobi by offering an efficient bus network. The road network will be over 12km long, crossing the Nairobi city centre to connect hospitals, Dandora Train Station, and key market areas.
Other programmes lined up for construction include; the Mwache Multipurpose Dam which is aimed at increasing water supply in Mombasa and Kwale counties.
The dam project, which includes a water treatment plant, transmission pipeline, terminal reservoirs, and rehabilitation of distribution networks, has been approved by the Treasury and submitted to the Ministry of Water and Sanitation for further action.
"Claessen reaffirmed the EU's commitment to supporting Kenya’s infrastructure development, positioning the country as a regional leader in climate change mitigation, addressing water supply deficits, and fostering SME growth," read part of the statement by the National Treasury.
The latest update comes days after the Korean government announced plans to begin the construction of a 20 km highway from Machakos to Emali in Makueni and link it to the Mombasa Road.
