Construction of the 84 Kilometer stretch Narok-Sekenani Road that connects to the world’s famous Game Reserve Maasai Mara built at a cost of Sh2.2 Billion is now complete.
The Resident Engineer in charge of the road Evans Kinyua on Tuesday told Narok County Coordination and Implementation Committee that the road had been upgraded to bitumen standards and had been completed within the stipulated time.
Engineer Kinyua told the committee led by Narok County Commissioner (CC) Evans Achoki that the road took 30 months to be completed.
“The contractor has been working around the clock to ensure the road is completed without further delays,” he reiterated.
The engineer said the first 23-Kilometer stretch that was previously paved was reconstructed to widen the carriageway from 5.5 meters width to 6.0 meters.
“We have also improved drainage systems by constructing additional cross culverts, access culverts and side drain improvement on the 23-kilometer stretch,” said Eng. Kinyua.
Apart from the road works, the contractor has also built a number of pans in the area to retain water which the residents are using for domestic consumption during this dry season.
However, the Engineer warned heavy truck drivers weighing over 10 tonnes against using the road as it will easily wear out.
“We will purchase a mobile weighbridge so as to control trucks weighing over 10 tonnes. This will enable us to nab any truck that is overweight,” said Eng. Kinyua.
On his part the CC asked the residents to take care of the road if they want to reap dividends for a long time.
“I request you residents not to vandalize road signs as we have witnessed in other places so that it can benefit you,” said the commissioner.
Achoki said the road had numerous paybacks among them tourists who flock the famous Maasai Mara game reserve.
Drivers plying the road have praised the government for the project saying they would spend up to four hours to get to Sekenani a distance they are taking one hour.
Mr. Jacob Sairowua, who drives a tour van said the visitors are now more comfortable and enjoy the ride to the World- Famous Game reserve unlike before when the road was rough and dusty.
“I enjoy carrying my visitors to the game reserve as I have no fear of getting any mechanical problems. The visitors can easily enjoy their drinks and snacks while in the vehicle unlike when the road was dusty,” said Mr. Sairowua.
The project funded by the Government of Kenya is expected to improve the economy of the county as more domestic and foreign tourists will easily access the Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
In the financial year 2019/ 2020 budget, the county estimated to collect Sh2.3 Billion from the Maasai Mara Game Reserve in its Sh12.4 Billion budget.
By Ann Salaton
