A link road connecting four counties in the Mount Kenya region is slated to be completed by the end of 2022.
Already the construction of Mau Mau road that links Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties has started with Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia expressing confidence that the project will be completed within two years.
While inspecting the road at Kiamara area of Murang’a, the CS confirmed: “The contractor is on ground and earthworks have started in Kiambu, Murang’a and Nyeri. Currently the work is at 3 percent.”
The commissioning of the Sh. 30 billion 500-kilometre key road was done early this year.
Macharia said the road will benefit not only Mount Kenya region but also neighbouring regions including Rift valley and Eastern region adding the section within Murang’a will cost Sh. 6.4 billion.
“We have already made a down payment of Sh. 640 million and more payments will be done as the construction progress,” said the CS.
The government is doing the Mau Mau road that borders eastern and western parts of Aberdare forests as a way of commemorating freedom fighters who used the forests as hideouts during war for independence.
Macharia lauded the project saying apart from boosting the economic activities, it will also provide employment to thousands of local residents.
The government, he added, is also doing dual carriage from Kenol to Sagana, a project he noted has already started.
Meanwhile Macharia warned contractors who are delaying completion of given projects saying apart from being blacklisted, they risk being arrested.
On rail transport, the CS said Nairobi-Nanyuki railway line has already been rehabilitated and only waits for commissioning by the President.
“Current the railway line is being used for transportation of cargo but after commissioning the line we will be having scheduled trips for cargo and passenger transport. The government is committed to have a proper robust railway transport to spur economic growth,” said Macharia.
Rehabilitation of other railway lines including Naivasha – Nakuru-Malava line, the CS said was on course.
By Bernard Munyao
