Makueni: Residents living along the Emali-Ukia Road in Nzaui Sub-county of Makueni have been urged to ignore misinformation circulating on social media regarding the road construction project. Despite such claims, officials assure that the project is ongoing and the contractor has been compensated accordingly.
According to Kenya News Agency, Deputy County Commissioner (DCC) George Lugo from the Makueni County Commissioner’s Office has called upon Chiefs, Assistant County Commissioners, and the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to engage in sensitization efforts. He emphasized the need for accurate information dissemination to counter rumors and speculations about the project’s status.
The misinformation falsely claims that the contractor has received full payment without any construction taking place. DCC Lugo made these comments during an inspection of the road by the County Implementation Coordination Management (CICM) Committee. He also urged local administrators and KeNHA officials to hold regular public meetings to provide reliable updates on the road’s progress.
Mr. Lugo assured that the Committee will push for expedited completion of the tarmacking to ensure residents benefit from the improved infrastructure. He stressed the importance of accurate information and encouraged frequent community meetings to address any concerns.
Loice Shuma from the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Eastern Region, highlighted the necessity for reliable information and regular project inspections. The road, planned to span 20 kilometers between Emali and Matiliku towns, is part of a Phase 1 project costing over Sh 1.077 billion.
Engineer Rashid Bule reported that the project is 22 percent complete, with Sh 258 million disbursed to Prime Quantifiers, the contracted company. Sh 819 million remains unpaid since the contract was awarded on September 22, 2025, with work commencing in December 2025. However, heavy rainfall and a recent diesel fuel shortage have caused delays.
Engineer Bule appealed to residents occupying road reserves to relocate to prevent forced evictions and allow construction to proceed smoothly. During the inspection, the Committee also reviewed the progress on the Emergency Construction of Kasikeu and Mikuyu Bridges and approach roads in Mukaa Sub-county, which are advancing well.
The roadworks from Kyambeke to Kikoko Market are being conducted by Kabuito Contractors Limited.
