The government has embarked on the expansion and tarmacking of a service lane that connects Thika town from the Garissa highway, much to the relief of commuters and matatu operators.
The less than one-kilometre stretch from Njomoko roundabout along the Thika Superhighway to the Gatitu area on the entry to Thika town is being constructed by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) at a cost of Sh78 million and is expected to be completed in a few months. When completed, the lane will end the traffic snarl-up in Thika town.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a said despite being a small stretch, it contributes to the highest traffic snarl-ups as one enters or exits the town.
“This project will be a game changer for commuters who have endured years of traffic nightmares, especially during rush hours. Also, during graduation ceremonies for the many institutions in the town, the road has always been a nightmare. This will end,” Ms. Ng’ang’a said.
She said proper drainage has been put up on the road, adding that better lighting will also be installed to improve security on the busy highway.
Commuters and matatu operators welcomed the project, saying it will end the many years of spending long hours in traffic navigating through the single-lane road during rush hours.
James Maina, a long-time Matatu driver who operates between Thika town and Nairobi city, said the service lane, which they sometimes use when the main lane is congested, has always been in a poor state, especially during the rainy season.
The motorists urged the contractor to expedite the work to ensure completion before the April rains.
By Muoki Charles
