Road
Three legislators from Murang’a county have assured residents of the government’s commitment to complete the construction of Mau Mau road. Speaking on Saturday at Kanyenyaini market during a public sensitization forum on triple threats, the MPs said Sh5 billion has been allocated in the 2024/2025 budget to fund completion of the link road which stalled two years ago.
Kangema Member of Parliament Peter Kihungi observed that after the contractors left the site, many sections of the road were rendered impassible especially during rainy seasons. He lamented that residents served by the road have been struggling to take their produce to markets and also access other parts of the county due to the poor state of the road.
Construction of Mau Mau road which was a flagship project of the Jubilee regime stalled in 2022 after three contractors who were doing the works left the project citing delay in payments. The link road including tributaries has a length of about 500 kilometres and connects four counties including Nyeri, Murang’a, Kiambu and Nyandarua.
The Sh30 billion road is intended to open up areas bordering Aberdare forest and boost agricultural activities and ecotourism in the areas the trunk road traverses.
A section of the stalled Mau Mau road.
“During the past rainy season, most parts of the road were left impassable after the contractors excavated and left ditches and boulders along the road. We have approached the chair of the Parliamentary Committee for Budget, Ndindi Nyoro who has allocated some funds to ensure the construction works proceed,” added Kihungi.
By the beginning of next financial year, the MP assured that the contractors will be back on site and requested residents to be patient. The lawmaker further urged the local residents not to be deceived by claims that there are divisions in the government saying as leaders of Murang’a they are fully behind the President and his deputy.
“Let’s not be deceived by propaganda about cracks in the government. Our regime is intact and committed to improve the welfare of all Kenyans,” he added. Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu said Mau Mau road is a major project meant to boost economic activities in counties within east and west of the Aberdare ranges.
He said as Murang’a leaders, they will not give up on the push to ensure the road is completed in the next financial year. “The road was to be completed like one year ago. We are negotiating with the concerned government agencies to ensure the road is done and serves the locals,” added Nyutu.
Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina asked the residents to continue supporting the government saying plans are underway to see completion of stalled projects in the county. Ms Maina cautioned politicians who are engaging in divisive politics saying Mount Kenya region is fully behind President William Ruto.
“We are in the government and nothing will sway away our support to the President of this nation. Let’s work together and support the government’s initiatives which are aimed at improving our livelihoods,” she added.