President needs a thumbs up for the road network
Linford Mutembei
A lot can be said about development undertaken by President Uhuru Kenyatta since in 2013, but if there is something that stands out, it is what his administration has achieved in road infrastructure across the country.
The Ministry of Transport through Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban and Rural Roads (Kura) and Kenya Rural Roads Authority (Kerra) has undertaken massive projects that are opening up regions and supporting improvement of economy.
In every corner of this country, there are mega roads projects either complete, underway or earmarked for construction by the three agencies, thanks to the President’s commitment to improve road network.
Road network is a critical though indirect pillar of the Big Four agenda because it helps in opening up job opportunities the youth can grab and easing transportation of goods and services.
However, it is sickening that some leaders have refused to acknowledge this milestone; they would rather waste time on early 2022 campaigns and talking ill about the government just to ensure its achievements are not showcased.
Since 2013, the government through KeNHA, has completed 49 roads projects, 40 projects are underway while dozens are earmarked.
The completed multi-million-shilling projects include Kisumu-Kakamega road, Wembuye-Kitale, Kakamega-Webuye Chebilat-Ikonge-Chabera in Nyanza and Western region Ol Jororok-Dondori, Voi-Mwatate, Rumuruti-Naibor roads.
Ongoing projects by KeNHA include Kibwezi-Kitui-Migwani road in Lower Eastern region, Miritini-Kipevu, Mwache-Tsunza-Mzeza, Nyahururu-Iten, Naibor-Maralal, Busia-Malaba, Unguja-Ukwala-Ruamba, Ruiru-Githunguri-Uplands, Chiakariga-Meru, Garsen-Witu-Lamu, Nairobi Western By-pass, James Gichuru, Lamu Port Access and Numo-Modogashe.
The road agency is also about to start works on Thika-Kenol-Sagana-Marua-Nyeri dual carriage, Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit, Mwingi-Marimanti roads.
The government is also currently working on an estimated 4,100km as part of the 10,000km Low Volume Seal Roads (LVSR) programme estimated to cost Sh300 billion and implemented through Kerra.
The roads, spread in 43 counties are expected to be complete before 2022 to bring the total number of kilometres done under the programme to 7,000.
Kerra, has completed an estimated 2,900km of roads while the others are underway.
Among them are 45km Mariakani-Bamba road in Ganze, Kilifi, which is being constructed at a cost of Sh2.1 billion, Sh4.1 billion Malindi-Salagate road also in Kilifi, and which links Malindi town and Tsavo East National Park and is expected to ease connectivity and attract international tourists and investors to the Coast.
Further the 53km Samburu-Kinango road, untarmacked since independence, has also been worked on at Sh2 billion.
The road connects Kwale with the Mombasa-Nairobi highway at Samburu and the Likoni-Lunga Lunga road at Kombani.
Another road is the 84km Kamatira-Cheptongei, costing Sh2.7 billion, linking West Pokot and Elgeyo Marakwet, and Sh1.6 billion 30km Kutus-Kianyaga-Githure-Kiamutugu road.
Others are Imaroro- Mashru-Isara Road in Kajiado, Kisima-Kibirichia road in Meru, Kachibora-Moiben in Elgeyo Marakwet, Sirisia-Lwakhakha in Bungoma, Karima-Ndimaini - Karatina in Kirinyaga and the Embu ring road.
Kura has 47 ongoing projects across the nation with 16 already complete or underway. — The writer is the chairman Mount Kenya Youth Caucus
