Kenya’s government has announced the clearance of all pending bills owed to road contractors, amounting to KSh 177 billion, a backlog that had stalled projects since 2020.
A Major Breakthrough
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki confirmed the development, noting that the settlement of arrears has unlocked the resumption of construction across the country.
“The Government has cleared the entire amount of pending bills owed to contractors, a total of KSh 177 billion, which remained unpaid since 2020, leading to the stalling of the construction of 6,000 kilometers of roads across Kenya,” he said.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the Deputy President’s Official Residence in Karen, Nairobi, during the presentation of a status report on ongoing roads, bridges, and other major infrastructure projects.
Resumption of Projects
With contractors now back on site, the government has mobilized adequate resources to ensure prompt payments and avoid future delays. The DP emphasized that the completion of the 6,000 km of stalled roads is a priority, as the projects are critical to national connectivity and economic growth.
Call for Quality and Timeliness
Prof. Kindiki challenged both the Ministry of Roads and Transport and contractors to uphold the highest quality standards and deliver projects within agreed timelines.
“Contractors are now back on site and adequate resources have been mobilized to ensure contractors are paid promptly,” he stated, underscoring the government’s commitment to accountability and efficiency.
Conclusion
The clearance of pending bills marks a turning point for Kenya’s infrastructure agenda. By settling long-overdue payments, the government has not only restored confidence among contractors but also set the stage for accelerated completion of stalled projects. The focus now shifts to ensuring that the revived roadworks meet quality expectations and are delivered on time, reinforcing Kenya’s path toward improved transport networks and economic resilience.
