Nyeri: The state has earmarked Sh17 billion for the resumption of 12 stalled road projects in Nyeri County. Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki announced the allocation, emphasizing that the government now has sufficient resources to complete 464 kilometers of these roads within the next three years. He attributed the availability of funds to economic stability, citing efforts by President William Ruto to address inflation, the cost of living, fuel prices, and the stabilization of the Kenya shilling.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Deputy President made these remarks in Watuka, Kieni, Nyeri County, during an inspection tour of the Endarasha-Charity-Watuka Road. This road is part of the 66-kilometer Mweiga-Amboni-Karandi/Endarasha-Charity-Watuka-Embaringo-Kimunyuru road project, which has been stalled for four years. The project, commissioned in 2019, was initially expected to be completed in 42 months, but construction was paused due to challenges faced by the contractor. To date, only 13.4 kilometers of the road have been upgraded to bitumen standard.
Eng. Charles Gitonga, the resident engineer for the project, stated that construction resumed in October 2024 and is slated for completion by August 2026 at a cost of Sh2 billion. He expressed confidence in meeting the 20-month target based on the current pace of work. The project, under the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), has provided employment for 154 Kenyans, including engineers, technicians, and casual workers. The contract includes a maintenance component, requiring the Chinese contractor to maintain the road for three years post-completion.
Local residents have expressed relief and optimism over the road's completion. Simon Mwaniki, a boda boda rider from Watuka, praised the government for reviving the construction, noting that the current rocky road condition had made vehicle maintenance costly. Duncan Ndegwa, a local farmer, highlighted the benefits for farmers, who often face challenges transporting produce due to the road's poor state. He anticipated that the improved road would facilitate better market access for the region's agricultural products.
Milka Mukami, another resident, looked forward to smoother journeys post-completion. She mentioned that residents have long endured expensive and bumpy commutes. Mukami hopes the completed road will shorten travel times and reduce fares, particularly benefiting vulnerable groups such as the elderly and pregnant women.