Murang’a:Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has assured residents of Murang’a County that the government will complete the long-delayed Mau Mau roads project by June next year. Funds have been secured to revive the infrastructure program, which faced delays due to economic disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Kenya News Agency, Prof. Kindiki announced that construction work has resumed in various parts of the country after the economy stabilized. The Mau Mau Roads programme in Murang’a, spanning 225 kilometers at an estimated cost of Sh8.8 billion, is a government priority aimed at improving transportation and market access.
Speaking during an inspection of development projects in Kigumo and Kandara constituencies, Prof. Kindiki highlighted the Ikumbi-Karinga-Kinyona-Mairi section of the Mau Mau road as a critical area of focus, given its incomplete status and the frustration it causes residents reliant on it for transporting farm produce and accessing services.
The Deputy President noted the importance of completing the main road before addressing access challenges affecting households in the hilly surrounding areas. He directed contractors to collaborate with local leaders and road authorities to identify and assist households lacking proper access routes to the main road.
Prof. Kindiki emphasized that contractors have been asked to support communities through corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as improving schools and public institutions affected by infrastructure challenges. He called on elected leaders to work with road authorities and contractors to identify institutions that could benefit from these initiatives.
The government has disbursed Sh177 billion to pay contractors for stalled road projects, facilitating the resumption of construction. Over 6,000 kilometers of roads are reportedly under construction nationally, with plans for an additional 1,285 kilometers to be tarmacked in Murang’a at an estimated cost of Sh56 billion.
During his visit, Prof. Kindiki also launched the Sh293 million Kinyona-Karinga Irrigation Project in Kigumo, which will provide irrigation water to 750 acres of farmland, benefiting 1,500 households. This project aims to help farmers diversify into high-value farming and improve household incomes.
Prof. Kindiki urged public servants, chiefs, and village elders to enhance communication with residents regarding government programs, stressing the importance of accurate information to improve community livelihoods. He acknowledged the efforts of Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi and elected leaders in supporting various development initiatives, including major stadium constructions across the country.
