The proposed upgrading of Sagana-Nyeri road into duel carriage is expected to boost economic growth of counties within central region.
The construction of 135 kilometer road expected to kick off in October this year will also escalate development advancement of neighbouring counties of Meru, Isiolo and Laikipia.
Transport Cabinet Secretary Mr. James Macharia has noted that the tender for the first phase of the road has been advertised and international contractors are expected to float their bids.
“It’s a big project and we are expecting international companies to bring their bids for consideration in the tender that will see big part of central region get a high standard highway,” noted Macharia.
Speaking at Gaichanjiru High school in Murang’a on Friday during the school’s 60th anniversary, Macharia stated that the Sh. 30 billion road will be funded by the government in partnership with African Development Bank.
He explained that the road will connect the northern corridor from Thika with Lappset project and open larger northern parts of Kenya as it will provide agriculturists and traders from central Kenya with easy access to markets in Nairobi and the northern Kenya.
Construction of phase one, Macharia added, will take 36 months before the government embarks in Phase two which will go up to Isiolo town.
“After doing phase one, the government will embark on phase two from Nyeri to Isiolo which is 150 kilometres long,” noted Macharia.
He observed that the road from Kenol through Murang’a town to Sagana will be expanded so as to ease traffic along the highway and also boost economic growth of Murang’a town.
Among other roads the government is working of in central region are Mau Mau roads which will be done from next year.
The Mau Mau road, Macharia said will boarder Arberdare forests and link Nyeri, Murang’a and Kiambu counties.
“The president also had announced the construction of a link road from Murang’a to Nyandarua County which will cut across Arberdare forests,” added the CS.
Macharia divulged that the government is also doing roads in each of the 47 counties as it gears towards attaining the promised tarmacking of 10, 000 kilometre roads in the country.
“The Jubilee administration during its campaigns promised to tarmack 10, 000 kilometre roads across the country and now we have done 8, 000 kilometers and the remaining part will be done before end of year 2020,” Macharia further attested.
By Bernard Munyao
