Govt moves to complete Mau Mau link road to boost economic growth

Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has assured residents of Murang’a County that the government will complete the long-stalled Mau Mau roads project by June next year, saying funds have been secured to revive the infrastructure programme that has faced delays for several years.

Prof. Kindiki said the government had paid contractors whose jobs stalled following economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that construction works had resumed in various parts of the country after the economy stabilised.

He noted the Mau Mau Roads programme in Murang’a, covering 225 kilometres at an estimated cost of Sh8.8 billion, remained a priority, with the government committed to ensuring that the unfinished sections are completed and connected to improve transport and access to markets.

“The Mau Mau Roads Programme in Murang’a covers 225 kilometres. The funds have been secured, and we expect the projects to be completed by June next year,” said Kindiki.

The Deputy President spoke on Friday while inspecting development projects in Kigumo and Kandara constituencies, including the Ikumbi–Karinga–Kinyona–Mairi section of the Mau Mau road, which has remained incomplete for years, frustrating residents who depend on it to transport farm produce and access essential services.

He assured residents that the government would prioritize completion of the main road before addressing access challenges affecting households in the surrounding hilly areas.

Prof. Kindiki also observed that some residents lacked proper access routes connecting their homes to the main road, directing the contractor to work with local leaders and road authorities to identify the affected households and develop appropriate solutions.

“Because this is a hilly area, some residents have no access roads connecting their homes to the main road. We have instructed the contractor to assist, but our first priority is to complete the main road before addressing the feeder roads,” he said.

The DP added that contractors had also been asked to support surrounding communities through corporate social responsibility initiatives, including improving schools and other public institutions affected by infrastructure challenges.

Kindiki called on elected leaders to work with road authorities and contractors to identify institutions that could benefit from the initiatives, saying communities should gain directly from projects implemented in their areas.

The Deputy President said the government had disbursed Sh177 billion to settle contractors’ outstanding payments for stalled road projects, enabling construction to resume, with more than 6,000 kilometres of roads reportedly under construction nationally.

He further announced plans to tarmac an additional 1,285 kilometres of roads in Murang’a at an estimated cost of Sh56 billion, saying the projects would improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and ease the movement of agricultural produce.

During the visit, Kindiki also inspected the Kahaini–Kaburugi–Kibereke Road, which cuts across Kandara Constituency, as part of the government’s assessment of ongoing infrastructure development in the region.

In Kigumo, the DP launched the Sh293 million Kinyona–Karinga Irrigation Project, expected to benefit 1,500 households by providing irrigation water to 750 acres of farmland.

He said the project would help farmers diversify from rain-fed agriculture to high-value farming, increase agricultural productivity and improve household incomes.

“Through this project, 1,500 families will access reliable irrigation water, enabling them to engage in high-value farming, increase their incomes and put more money in their pockets,” he said.

Kindiki also challenged public servants, chiefs and village elders to improve communication with residents about government programmes and projects, saying communities needed accurate information on development initiatives intended to improve their livelihoods.

He cited ongoing infrastructure and sports development projects, crediting Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and the elected leaders for supporting the implementation of various government programmes, including the construction of major stadiums across the country.

By Bernard Munyao and Florence Kinyua