Kangema, Kenya – Kangema Member of Parliament Peter Kihungi and Juja counterpart George Koimburi have called for the expedited completion of the Mau Mau link road, connecting Murang’a, Kiambu, Nyeri, and Nyandarua counties. The legislators expressed concerns during a thanksgiving ceremony at Ndueni Full Gospel Church in Kangema about the delayed progress of this critical infrastructure project.
According to Kenya News Agency, the recent supplementary budget saw a reduction in the allocation for the road, from Sh. 280 million to Sh. 175 million, which is insufficient for significant progress. The road had initially received Sh. 4.5 billion under the previous Jubilee administration, with substantial construction already underway.
Emphasizing the road’s economic significance for local communities and the country, Kihungi urged the government to prioritize its completion, citing local dissatisfaction with the project’s stagnation. The 165-kilometer road, excluding tributaries, was designed to honor Mau Mau war veterans and facilitate access to the Aberdares forest ecosystem. However, construction halted last year due to funding shortfalls.
George Koimburi emphasized the commitment made to their constituents that the Mau Mau road would be completed under the Kenya Kwanza government. He appealed to Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen for sufficient funding to complete this and other ongoing road projects in the Mount Kenya region, highlighting their potential to boost the local economy.
Koimburi further stated that if construction does not resume within six months, they plan to organize peaceful demonstrations to demand necessary funding. Additionally, Kinyona MCA Liz Mbugua highlighted the current hardships faced by locals due to the uncompleted road, especially with the onset of heavy rains. Disrupted transport, caused by heaps of soil left by contractors, has made it challenging for residents, particularly in accessing healthcare services.
The legislators’ statements underline the urgency and importance of completing the Mau Mau road, not only as a tribute to historical figures but also as a vital infrastructure for the economic and social well-being of the Mount Kenya region.