By OLIVER MUSEMBI
Construction of a road linking five wards in Ruiru, Kiambu County, has begun, giving relief to thousands of residents and motorists in the area.
Starting from Kahawa Sukari off the Thika Superhighway, the road will link Kahawa Wendani, Githurai, Mwihoko and Mwiki wards, which have an estimated combined population of more than 500,000 people. The project covers about 15 kilometres.
According to area MP Simon King’ara, the project, funded through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), will also involve the rehabilitation of drainage systems ahead of the forthcoming rains, which are expected to cause heavy flooding in the area.
King’ara spoke when he inspected the commencement of the project at the Baringo Road section in Kahawa Sukari. He said the first phase is expected to be completed in about two months and urged residents to bear with the short-term inconveniences caused by the construction.
“We thank the locals for cooperating with the contractor who has already started the construction works, which will inconvenience them for some time. I appeal to them to bear with the situation while the road takes shape,” said King’ara.
The legislator said residents and motorists had for years complained about the poor state of the road, which he attributed largely to the lack of a proper drainage system.
He added that the new tarmac road would also serve as a bypass for motorists using the area and significantly ease traffic flow between Kahawa Sukari, Mwihoko, Mwiki and Githurai.
“Commuters from Thika Road will now be able to access Mwihoko easily without having to go all the way to Githurai Roundabout once the project is complete. The reverse will also be the case; it will serve as a bypass,” King’ara said.
The MP reiterated that he had resolved to steer clear of politics to concentrate on serving his constituents, maintaining that the time for politicking and campaigning had not yet arrived.
Residents welcomed the project, saying it would mark the end of clouds of dust during the dry season and muddy pools of water whenever it rains.
Matatu operator Eliud Njenga said they incur huge losses on spare parts because of the pothole-riddled stretch of the road. He expressed optimism that the problem would become a thing of the past once the project is completed.
“We have been replacing coil springs and other suspension parts too frequently due to the rough sections of the road. The construction of the new road is good for us and we might even open more passenger routes after this,” said Njenga.
Ann Wangeci, a salonist, also recounted how businesses in the area had lost customers because of dust during the dry season and stagnant pools of dirty water during the rainy season.
She said improved road conditions would make the area more accessible and attract more customers to local businesses.
