A project to relocate fibre cables along the Rironi-Mau summit road has officially kicked-off at Rironi in an event officiated by Information, Communication and Technology Principal Secretary Jerome Ochieng.
Ochieng led a team of stakeholders from the ICT Ministry together with a representative from the Kenya National Highways Authority, Bernard Njoroge, the Managing Director of Adrian Kenya, one of the companies contracted to do the relocation was also present.
Speaking at the function, Ochieng particularly emphasized on the need to finish the project within the shortest time possible. He said that it was part of preparations for the construction of a dual carriageway from Rironi to Mau summit which he said is expected to begin in September 2021.
“It is worth noting that this project has very strict timelines that all are supposed to ensure that we achieve,” the Principal Secretary said. PS went on to outline the measures put in place to ensure that the deadlines are met.
“It is because of strict timelines that we thought it is wise to divide the project into four sections so as to successfully achieve this tight program,” he explained. Each section of the fibre relocation has been allocated to a different company.
The First Phase, which goes to Naivasha through Mai Mahiu, will be done by a company identified as Whitespace Limited. Adrian Limited has also been contracted to relocate the cables to Naivasha but through the Kinungi route. Soliton tech will cover the road from Naivasha to Nakuru as Geonet takes the remainder to Mau summit.
The Principal Secretary called for cooperation between the various stakeholders, holding that it was vital for the completion of the projection.
Echoing his sentiments, Limuru Deputy County Commissioner, Charles Mukele, who was representing the Kiambu County Commissioner pledged to provide support.
“We will provide security and the OCS (Officer Commanding Station) is here for that’’ Mukele assured. He also said that Chiefs and other Administration officers will be at hand to assist if need be in issues involving land or access to the route that the relocation is expected to follow.
KENHA representative, Julius Mutinda, also pledged cooperation, adding that the Agency has already made provisions for the installation of the fibre cable.
“The ICT fibre has been allocated the third meter from the edge of the road,” he explained.
He urged the companies contracted to execute the project to work closely with the road Agency to ensure that their plans are in tandem with the contract and the budget.
By Duncan Mutwiri
