The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has commenced the upgrading of the 58km Nanyuki-Doldol Road to bitumen standard, with the Sh5.5 billion project expected to open up Laikipia North.
KeNHA resident engineer Howard M’mayi said the contractor is already on site after the project officially commenced on July 24, with the works scheduled for completion within 36 months.
The project will improve the road from Nanyuki town through Batuk and the Naibor junction before extending to Doldol, with sections already covered in bitumen also set to undergo improvements.
The works will include widening the carriageway, constructing shoulders and pedestrian walkways as part of efforts to improve road safety and connectivity.
“It is a project that is given priority. It came about as a result of a pronouncement by President William Ruto when he visited this area and his concern was to ensure that the people of Doldol are connected to Nanyuki and also to the rest of the country by a road that is motorable,” M’mayi said.
The road is critical to improving livelihoods in an area where residents have struggled to access medical facilities, schools and business centres because of poor infrastructure.
The project will take three years to complete, followed by a 24-month defects notification period. M'manyi urged government agencies to support the contractor to ensure the works are completed in time.
The project has revived hopes among residents of Laikipia North, who have for years complained that the poor state of the road isolated the constituency from the rest of the county.
Jua Kali resident John Maina expressed relief that the road was finally being tarmacked after years of suffering because of its poor condition.
“I am happy because this road will finally be constructed. It has troubled us for a long time and made it appear as if we do not have a road,” Maina said.
The road has been a major concern for residents and leaders, particularly because of its impact on access to health services during emergencies.
Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere said residents had waited for the road for decades and expressed optimism that it will finally be completed.
“This is a road that we have waited for, I think, all our lives. And finally, it looks like the reality is coming closer home,” Korere said.
She observed that Laikipia North had been effectively cut off from other parts of the county due to inadequate infrastructure, with the poor road contributing to loss of lives during medical emergencies.
Korere disclosed that residents had lost mothers, newborns and other patients while moving from Doldol to Nanyuki for treatment, while victims of banditry had also suffered because of delays in accessing help.
Previous efforts to upgrade the road stalled after an earlier contractor reportedly abandoned the project after completing about 10 per cent of the works.
The poor state of the road has also made movement difficult during heavy rains, with seasonal rivers becoming impassable and occasionally cutting off communities.
In one incident, an ambulance was swept away by floodwaters while returning from Nanyuki after delivering a patient to hospital.
The River Loisukut crossing near Doldol has also previously become impassable during heavy rains. In 2023, flooding disrupted transport in the area and forced officials to use a helicopter to deliver exam papers to schools in Mukogodo West.
Korere said the road will play an important role in improving security in Laikipia North, which has experienced recurring incidents of banditry and cattle rustling.
It is also expected to reduce travel time, ease movement of security personnel and improve access to remote areas.
The project follows President Ruto’s visit to Doldol in May, where he announced plans to improve connectivity in the area and pledged government support for the road.
It is also part of wider infrastructure improvements targeting about 217 kilometres of roads in Laikipia, with the aim of opening up areas that have remained poorly connected.
For the predominantly pastoral communities of Laikipia North, the road is expected to provide a major boost to trade by making it easier to transport livestock and other goods to markets.
The project is being undertaken by H-Young East Africa Limited and includes a virtual weighbridge intended to help control overloading and protect the road from premature damage.
“We have lost many lives when trying to bring patients from Doldol to Nanyuki for treatment, including mothers, newborns and victims of banditry. We cannot wait for this road to start,” Korere said.
Instant analysis
The Nanyuki-Doldol road project carries significance far beyond transport infrastructure, particularly for residents who have long faced difficulties accessing healthcare, schools, markets and security services. Its revival offers Laikipia North a chance to overcome years of relative isolation and strengthen economic activity, especially for pastoral communities dependent on livestock trade. The project’s history of stalled works, however, makes timely completion critical. Residents’ optimism will ultimately depend on whether the Sh5.5 billion investment delivers the promised connectivity within the 36-month timeline. Improved crossings and road safety features could also reduce vulnerability during heavy rains. Beyond development, the road could strengthen security response in an area affected by banditry and cattle rustling.
