State tightens security as Mau Summit Rd works begin

The government has announced measures to enhance security and protect key infrastructure and equipment during the construction of the Sh200 billion Rironi–Mau Summit Road, which is expected to be completed by June next year.

The plan includes deploying additional security personnel along key sections of the highway to ease traffic flow within diversion routes that will be provided during construction.

The road, a major artery to the Western region, has in recent years become a security concern and has been notorious for claiming dozens of lives in fatal accidents.

Tusker rally past Ulinzi to reach FKF Cup semifinals as Nairobi United bow out Football

Red hot Omanyala to orchestrate Kenya's 4x100m charge at World Relays today Athletics

According to the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of the National Government, Kipchumba Murkomen, the road, which will be financed through a Public-Private Partnership, has already commenced in earnest.

Speaking during a development tour in Naivasha on Wednesday, the CS said the multi-billion-shilling project is one of the transformative developments expected to open up the region and ease perennial traffic congestion on the highway.

“The government has enhanced security to ensure seamless construction of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, ease transport inconveniences, and ensure it is completed by June next year,” said Murkomen.

He added that security personnel will work around the clock to boost safety on alternative routes that will be provided during the construction works, as well as during the upcoming World Safari Rally championship next month.

Local youths, women and members of the business community have already positioned themselves for the tens of job opportunities expected to be created during the year-long construction period.

Consequently, Naivasha and Mai Mahiu towns are poised for significant growth, with the highway cutting through the towns. Visitors attending conferences and tourists camping around Lake Naivasha have been promised seamless travel in record time.

Additionally, Murkomen announced the resumption of 20-year-old stalled administrative offices for the Naivasha Sub-County at a cost of Sh50 million, after the National Treasury approved the funding.

The CS said his ministry has partnered with the Ministry of Housing to kick-start the construction of houses for police officers working in the area, addressing housing shortages currently being experienced.

This comes after the government announced the formation of a new special unit to tackle rising crime, increased drug abuse and criminal gangs within the Nairobi metropolitan area.

He said the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit will partner with local businesses, with the government deploying modern cameras and artificial intelligence to speed up investigations into security gaps.

The special unit is based on global best practice and will act as a prototype to be deployed in other cities across the country as a model for enhancing security.

Murkomen termed the recent working agreement signed between Nairobi County and the National Government as the best framework to enhance intergovernmental relations, backed by the already established Urban Areas and Cities Act.

The Cabinet Secretary at the same time called on political leaders to notify security agencies in advance to enhance safety and minimise chaos during political rallies.

In recent months, the country has witnessed unrest that has largely affected the opposition as political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election intensify.

Referring to the chaos witnessed in Kitengela on Sunday during a political meeting organised by a section of ODM members, Murkomen faulted the leaders for failing to notify local security officers.

The CS condemned the use of hired goons to disrupt political meetings, adding that investigations have since begun into the unrest witnessed during recent gatherings.

“The government condemns the unfortunate incident that disrupted businesses and led to the death of one person in Kitengela town on Sunday, and we call on political leaders to engage security agencies for their protection,” said Murkomen.