225-kilometre Mau Mau Road network in Murang's to be completed

By Bernard Munyao and Florence Kinyua (KNA)

The government has secured funding to resume the construction of the Mau Mau roads project after stalling for years.

The roads will be completed by June next year, Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki has said.

Speaking during an inspection tour of development projects in Kigumo and Kandara Constituencies, Kindiki said the government had settled pending payments owed to contractors, paving the way for the completion of the road network.

The Deputy President said the Mau Mau roads programme in Murang’a covers 225 kilometres and is being implemented at an estimated cost of Sh8.8 billion.

“The Mau Mau roads programme in Murang’a covers 225 kilometres. The funds have been secured, and we expect the projects to be completed by June next year,” said Kindiki.

He noted that the project had experienced delays following disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic but construction has resumed following the stabilisation of the economy.

During the tour, Kindiki inspected the Ikumbi-Karinga-Kinyona-Mairi section of the road, which has remained incomplete for years, affecting the movement of people, farm produce and access to essential services.

The Deputy President said completing the road network would improve connectivity, ease transportation and enhance access to markets for farmers and traders.

He further directed contractors to work with local leaders and road authorities to address access challenges facing households in the area's hilly terrain.

“Because this is a hilly area, some residents have no access roads connecting their homes to the main road. We have instructed the contractor to assist, but our first priority is to complete the main road before addressing the feeder roads,” he said.

Kindiki also asked contractors to support surrounding communities through corporate social responsibility initiatives, including improvements to schools and other public institutions affected by infrastructure challenges.

The Deputy President revealed that the government had disbursed Sh177 billion to clear outstanding contractor payments for stalled road projects across the country, enabling the resumption of construction on more than 6,000 kilometres of roads.

He further announced plans to tarmac an additional 1,285 kilometres of roads in Murang’a at a cost of Sh56 billion to strengthen connectivity and spur economic growth.

The DP also inspected the Kahaini-Kaburugi-Kibereke Road in Kandara Constituency as part of the government's broader infrastructure development agenda.

Beyond roads, Kindiki launched the Sh293 million Kinyona-Karinga Irrigation Project in Kigumo Constituency, which is expected to benefit 1,500 households and irrigate 750 acres of farmland.

He said the initiative would enable farmers to transition from rain-fed agriculture to high-value crop production, boosting productivity and household incomes.

“Through this project, 1,500 families will access reliable irrigation water, enabling them to engage in high-value farming, increase their incomes and put more money in their pockets,” he said.

The Deputy President also called on public servants, chiefs and village elders to enhance communication on government programmes and projects to ensure citizens access accurate information on development initiatives.

He said improved public awareness would help communities understand and benefit from ongoing investments in infrastructure, agriculture and sports development.