Nyeri: Residents of Gatitu-Muruguru ward in Nyeri Township have expressed their support for the proposed extension of the Marua dual carriageway to Nyeri town and the construction of the Kiamuiru-Githiru-Thunguma-Kirimara-Kabiruini-Mweiga bypass. They voiced their views at a meeting held at Gatitu trading centre, emphasizing the importance of local employment and community amenities.
According to Kenya News Agency, the residents requested that the contractor prioritize hiring local workers for the project. They stressed the need for the government to ensure the selected bidder engages in corporate social responsibility initiatives along the highway as a way to give back to the community. The Nyeri Town Roads and Nyeri By-Pass projects will involve a 14.89-kilometer improvement stretch and the tarmacking of 24.89 kilometers, with funding from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Margaret Wamaitha, a public health officer from Gatitu, highlighted the lack of social amenities like public toilets in trading centers along the proposed road. She urged the government to address these needs for the benefit of both residents and construction workers. Julia Wanjiku, a local resident planning to run for the Gatitu-Murugu ward seat, echoed the call for local employment, citing past instances where contractors brought in workers from outside the area.
Residents also raised concerns about the compensation process for land acquisition, fearing delays and bureaucratic hurdles. They recounted past experiences where landowners passed away without receiving due compensation. However, Wanjohi Gachago, another resident, supported the government’s projects, emphasizing the long-term benefits for the community, including improved mobility and commerce.
James Kahuthu urged the Kenya National Highway Authorities (KeNHA) to enhance trading centers along the highway by upgrading feeder roads. Meanwhile, Joy Wasiririmba from Wanjohi Mutonyi Consult Limited assured residents that outstanding issues, such as beacon allocation, would be addressed by the regional KeNHA office. She also confirmed that contractors would provide essential amenities like toilets and drinking water for workers.
Nyeri Town MP, Duncan Maina Mathenge, encouraged residents to embrace the project, highlighting its potential to spur growth and development. He praised the community’s involvement and pledged to expedite the project’s preliminary phases to ensure timely progress. Maina also urged residents to share their views on how the project could benefit the community, including the construction of new hospitals, schools, and churches.
