Several contractors have inspected a proposed road connecting three counties in Mount Kenya region in preparation to bid for construction.
The contractors on Wednesday toured several sections of the proposed Mau Mau road which will connect Nyeri, Murang’a and Nyandarua counties.
Covering a distance of 120 kilometers, the proposed road will run on the outskirts of the Aberdare forest and is meant to open up agriculturally rich areas at the periphery of the forests.
The road which was promised by President Uhuru Kenyatta while on a recent visit to Murang’a County, is slated to shorten the distance from Murang’a and Nyeri to Nyandarua and other parts of Rift Valley.
The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) Regional Manager for Central, Joseph Wanjohi said the project has attracted 50 construction companies, who have toured sections of the road for site visits and design review.
Wanjohi said the project will be divided in three sections and will be done in two years.
“The road is designed to link Murang’a with Nyandarua through Aberdare forest, following increased calls by the local residents,” he said and added that it will be 20 metres wide.
He said the project will start at Mairi-Kinyona-Ichichi- Wanjerere- Kiamuturi and end at Kairo at the border of Murang’a and Nyeri. In Nyeri County the road will run across Othaya, Tetu and Kieni sub counties.
According to the design, sections between Gataka ini-Mairi of 23.2 kilometres and Mioro-Muthangari of 3.6 kilometres have already been tarmacked.
Also included in the design is Kiamara-Kangema-Kanyenya ini-Tuthu section of 33.8 kilometres, following pleas by Kangema MP, Muturi Kigano.
The Mau Mau road will follow routes which were used by freedom fighters as they accessed their hideouts at Aberdare forests.
When completed, the road is expected to ease transportation of green leaf to local factories as the route will cut across the tea belt.
Residents of Murang’a have hailed the project, saying it will hasten movement of people and goods between the counties across which the road will traverse.
By Bernard Munyao
