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{
"id": 728675,
"url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/728675/?format=api",
"text_counter": 148,
"type": "speech",
"speaker_name": "Mr. Henry Rotich",
"speaker_title": "The Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury",
"speaker": {
"id": 13142,
"legal_name": "Henry Rotich",
"slug": "henry-rotich"
},
"content": "Hon. Speaker, over the last four years we have initiated a number infrastructure projects some of which have been completed, while others are nearing completion. We are targeting to complete all ongoing projects so that Kenyans can realise the benefits of the expanded infrastructure facilities. Work is being done to construct and maintain roads in order to ensure that Kenyans can move across the country with ease. Since 2013, the Government has constructed 1,950 kilometres of new roads, and another 7,000 kilometres are under different phases of construction. Construction of the Outering Road in Nairobi and the dualling of Ngong Road are progressing well. To further enhance movement of Kenyans, ease transportation of goods, and reduce congestion on our roads, I have allocated a total of Kshs134.9 billion, which includes Kshs63.6 billion for on-going road construction; Kshs44.3 billion for foreign financed roads; and Kshs27 billion for low volume seal roads. Further, I have allocated Kshs49.3 billion for road maintenance from the Road Maintenance Levy. Hon. Speaker, we know that once completed the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) will help to integrate domestic markets, link special industrial zones and bring global export markets closer home. That is why we have started construction works for the Second Phase (Nairobi – Naivasha). The construction of the First Phase is nearing completion and Kenyans will soon enjoy a decent ride from Mombasa to Nairobi starting 1st June, 2017. In this Budget, Mr. Speaker, I have allocated Kshs75.6 billion for the SGR, of which Kshs15.5 billion will go to the completion of Phase I, Kshs59.7 billion to the construction of Phase II, and Kshs400 million for the relocation of people along railway line. The First Phase of the second container terminal at the Port of Mombasa is complete. This will improve cargo handling service at the Port and strengthen Mombasa as a preferred port of call in East Africa. To enhance services delivery in our ports, the Government will continue to develop several commercial ports, including the Lamu Port, Kisumu Port as well as other smaller ports along the coastline. In this budget, we have allocated Kshs10 billion for the LAPSSET Project; Kshs3.6 billion from our development partners for the Mombasa Port Development Project; and Kshs200 million for the maintenance of ferries. To further scale up the on-going airports expansion and modernisation, I have allocated Kshs2.6 billion for the upgrading of Malindi, Isiolo and Lokichogio airports, and Suneka Airstrip. Going forward, the Government plans to commence the expansion of the Eldoret International Airport to enable large cargo planes to land and position it as a transport hub. Hon. Speaker, Kenyans are now paying less for their electricity owing to increased power generation. Today more than 2,282 Megawatts of power are available on the national rid compared to 1,664 Megawatts available three years ago. With this additional power, Kenyan households and firms now have access to power, enabling them to conduct their businesses smoothly. In this Budget, I have allocated Kshs16.4 billion to support exploitation of geothermal, wind and solar resources that Kenya is endowed with. These resources are expected to increase the clean energy mix, cementing Kenya’s position as a world leader in renewable energy."
}