The tarmacking of the 67-kilometre Thika-Magumu road that connects the Thika Superhighway to the Nairobi-Naivasha Highway will be completed early next year, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said.
The CS said that the government has injected enough funds into the project and that the contractor is working round the clock to complete the work within the set timeframe.
Speaking at Kamwangi town in Gatundu North while inspecting the road progress, Murkomen said there was nothing to worry about, adding that at least 20 kilometres of the roadwork had already been done.
While acknowledging that there were financial challenges that led to the stalling of the project some months ago, the CS said his ministry will work closely with the contractor to fast-track the exercise.
Once completed, the road will ease accessibility and decongest the Nairobi metropolitan area, said Murkomen, who was accompanied by Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa and Gatundu North MP Elijah Njoroge Kururia.
He added that roads within major town centres in Gatundu North, including Mang’u and Kamwangi, will also be tarmacked.
“We know there were challenges some months ago that led to the stalling of the project. However, funds have been availed, and my Ministry will work closely with the contractor to ensure the road is completed by early next year,” Murkomen said.
The road, whose construction commenced in 2019, has been a nightmare for both residents of Gatundu North and motorists with dangerous terraces by the edges, potholes, and dust during the period it has stalled.
The stalling of the project had sparked protests from residents who accused the contractor of being sluggish in his work. However, the works resumed following government intervention, giving residents hope that their concerns were addressed.
MP Kururia called on the CS to prioritise the resumption of the 50-kilometre Marige-Kandakomu-Gatei-Kamunyaka-Gakoe road in the Githobokoni ward. The road is part of the Mau Mau road, which stalled after the contractor claimed non-payment.
He also urged the CS to intervene and ensure that the Gatukuyu-Kairi-Mataara road that was launched by President William Ruto when he was Deputy President in 2018 is redone. He said that the road has potholes and is yet to be completed.
By Muoki Charles
