Kenyans Baffled as President Ruto Pledges to “Dual” Already Dualled Thika Road
The announcement drew immediate reactions online, with many questioning why the government would prioritise dualling a road that has already been upgraded
By : Mweru Mbugua
President William Ruto has sparked confusion among Kenyans after announcing plans to dual the Thika Superhighway a road that has been fully dualled for over a decade
Speaking at the Jukwaa la Usalama report launch at State House Nairobi on Tuesday, President Ruto said his government intends to dual 2,500 kilometres of roads nationwide as part of efforts to transform Kenya into a first-world economy
“Barabara tumeanzisha kutoka Rironi, the first 170km, tunatengeneza lane nne. Ikifika Naivasha tunapanua inakuwa lane sita mpaka Nakuru ndo tuwache msongamano,” he said
He also mentioned that roads connecting Ongata Rongai and Ngong, as well as Thika Road, are on the list for dualling next year
The announcement drew immediate reactions online, with many questioning why the government would prioritise dualling a road that has already been upgraded
The Thika Superhighway was expanded and fully dualled during the administration of the late President Mwai Kibaki, at a cost of Ksh.31 billion, and officially opened in November 2012
Many Kenyans expressed skepticism on social media, questioning whether the President misspoke or was referring to a different kind of upgrade
Comments ranged from: “Unless I don’t know what dualling is, Thika Road is already dualled!” to comparisons with Ruto’s vision of transforming Kenya into a Singapore-like economy
During the event, President Ruto praised MPs for passing the creation of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) and Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), aimed at financing major projects
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The NIF leverages capital markets and PPP frameworks to channel private investment into public projects, while the SWF sets aside proceeds from natural resources and privatised national assets for investment
“Uchaguzi utakuja na siku moja na itapita, transformation is what will take this country to the next level,” Ruto said, emphasizing that the country’s development plans extend beyond election cycles
The President’s remarks have reignited scrutiny over government infrastructure projects and the implementation of previous road expansion promises
