Kenya is set to fast track construction of the Kenol-Makutano-Sagana-Marua highway. This is after the government revised the completion dates of major road projects across the country particularly the Central region. According to Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia, some of the major government projects which include dualing of the 84km Kenol-Makutano (Mwea)-Sagana-Marua highway at US $273.2m will be completed by June next year.

“The reason why we have routinely inspected the construction is to ensure that the projects are fast tracked to the new time frame. The president is also closely monitoring and looking forward to their completion,” said CS Macharia.

Some of the major road projects

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) chairman Wangai Ndirangu said that the Authority were under clear instructions to have the projects ready by June 2022 for a presidential launch before the president retires. “To meet the deadline, we have awarded contracts to several contractors who are simultaneously undertaking the works on the Kenol-Marua road,” he confirmed.

The road will traverse Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties and is expected to significantly cut travelling times between Nairobi and Central Kenya counties. The contract also includes extending the Thika Superhighway to Kenol Township to ease traffic congestion in the peri-urban area.

The chairman also revealed that construction of 540km Mau Mau cluster roads, which was scheduled to be complete by June 2023, will be done by next year. The road will traverse Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri, Nyandarua and Nakuru counties. Gatakaini to Njabini road will make a direct link between Murang’a and Nyandarua counties while Naivasha to Njabini road will improve the link between Nakuru and Nyandarua further enhancing trade between the two counties. “Although we have revised the time frame, I can assure Kenyans that we shall not compromise the standards,” Mr. Wangai affirmed.