Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has put on notice developers who have grabbed road reserves at Gatitu junction in Thika town to move out to pave way for Sh5.5 billion road expansion project of the Thika-Garissa Highway.
Wamatangi said they have information that some people grabbed the land in 2019 and got title deeds for the plots, warning that they will have to move out.
Addressing matatu owners and traders in Thika town yesterday, Wamatangi told those with the illegal title deeds to surrender them for revocation.
He said the Kenya National Highways Authority is at an advanced stage to undertake the project with drawings and designs already in place.
“We understand that the road reserve land was grabbed in 2019. Those persons will have to move for the implementation of the plan. Holders of the illegal title deeds will have to surrender them for revocation,” Wamatangi said.
During a public participation on the project this July, KeNHA officials said 15 kilometers of the road will be constructed into four lanes from the Njomoko interchange as you enter Thika town from the superhighway towards past Gatuangaya market.
The interchange will be constructed at Sh2.5 billion while the road will be given a dual carriage status at Sh3 billion.
“The road will be expanded into four express lanes and two service lanes. Interchanges will be put at Gatitu, Engen and BAT junctions while foot bridges will also be erected in areas where there is huge human traffic. Bus termini will also be put at designated areas. The project is set to ease traffic, open up Thika town to business and change the face of the town,” Eng. Ephrahim Opuge a senior engineer at KeNHA.
He was however not specific on when the construction works will begin, but said the process was at a very advanced stage.
“Several teams are on the ground analyzing designs, environmental concerns, surveys after which they will do a report. We assure that the road will be done. We however call for cooperation when work begins,” he said.
Wamatangi said the project will be a milestone towards making Thika town attain industrial smart city status with improved accessibility and reduced traffic congestion.
By Muoki Charles
