The government will upgrade to bitumen standards the Kikima-Kyambalisi-Kali-Nduluku road in Mbooni sub county at a cost of Sh 2.7 billion.
The Makueni County Commissioner (CC), Maalim Mohammed said works at the 57 kilometre road have been delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The only thing that is delaying the tarmacking of the road is that the project manager is still holed up in China due to the current ban on international travel over Covid 19,” said Mohammed.
He disclosed that the road that was launched by President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2017 was re tendered after the initial contractor, Civicon Company Limited unnecessarily delayed the project.
“Civicon had initially won the tender but it was later cancelled and awarded to China Shengli Company due to poor workmanship,” he said.
The CC noted that the all-weather road is in a deplorable condition and once tarmacked will ease transport in the area.
Mohammed was speaking on Tuesday during the burial of David Keli in Kilyungi village, Mbooni sub county when he delivered a message of condolence from President Uhuru.
Uhuru described Keli as a true patriot who dedicated his life, energy and skills to the country’s economic development.
The president said Keli’s passion and service to the country had contributed immensely to Kenya’s progression to a middle income nation.
“As a progressive leader, locally and within the East Africa region the late Keli was an architect and a strong pillar of the East Africa Business Council through which he ensured the private sector, associations and corporate played a key role in driving the East Africa integration,” he said.
The President said Keli also ensured the Jua Kali sector and Small and Micro Enterprises (SMEs) were mainstreamed in government policy.
“He was the driving force behind the East Africa Jua Kali Nguvu Kazi initiative and his inspirational life leaves a legacy not only to the family and friends but the entire nation and continent,” said Uhuru.
A trained journalist, Keli was an astute professional in Public Relations and Corporate Affairs.
He worked as a producer and director of programs in Voice of Kenya, the current Kenya Broadcasting Corporation before he joined BAT Kenya as the public relations officer where he rose to the rank of Head of Corporate Affairs.
He leaves behind two sons.
Speaking at the same burial, the Makueni Senator, Mutula Kilonzo Junior urged residents to remain vigilant in the fight against Covid 19.
Mutula Junior said the country had reached a precarious situation due to the exponential numbers of positive coronavirus cases being reported.
“We need to be very careful now more than ever, the numbers are surging every day. We should strictly adhere to the government directives,” said the senator.
By Roselyne Kavoo
