The government is implementing Sh83 billion development projects in Murang’a, with major investments in roads and affordable housing now moving towards completion.
The projects include a Sh56 billion roads programme covering 1,285 kilometres and a Sh27 billion affordable housing programme being implemented through the national housing fund.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the clearance of pending bills owed to contractors paved the way for completion of ongoing projects.
“State officers are under strict instructions to ensure all projects are completed," he said.
The roads programme includes the 29-kilometre Kirwara-Kigio-Jogoo-Kimakia road, which Kindiki inspected to assess progress, as well as the 12-kilometre Gatura-Ngere-Karangi road, which has been allocated Sh14 million.
The DP said the roads programme, which has been implemented in Murang’a over the past four years, would also create employment opportunities for local youth.
The responsibility for implementing the projects has been assigned to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), chaired by Eng Anthony Mwaura.
The affordable housing programme, valued at Sh27 billion in Murang’a, includes 27 markets as well as housing and hostel projects intended to improve living and working conditions for residents.
One of the major projects under the broader housing programme is the construction of 1,910 affordable housing units at Kakuzi Mitumbiri at a cost of Sh5.4 billion. Another housing project is planned at Makenji.
The Sh5.4 billion Kakuzi Mitumbiri project forms part of the wider Sh27 billion affordable housing programme and is not an additional amount to the cumulative housing figure.
The programme also includes eight hostel accommodation projects in Murang’a, aimed at providing students in technical institutions with accommodation closer to their schools.
At Gatanga Technical Institute, a hostel project comprising 340 rooms has been advertised again for a contractor at a cost of Sh145 million, after the initial contractor was disqualified.
Kindiki also said the government was developing markets to provide small-scale traders and mama mbogas with dignified working spaces and protect them from harsh weather conditions.
In Gatanga, the Ndunyu Chege Market is nearing completion at a cost of Sh152 million, while Gatunyu Market is being constructed at Sh109 million.
Kaguku Market in Ithanga is valued at Sh114 million, although Kindiki said the contractor was lagging behind and would be required to speed up the work.
“Contractors should complete projects fast if they have been paid so that traders can benefit,” Kindiki said.
The market programme also includes facilities such as cold rooms to help traders reduce losses, particularly for perishable agricultural produce.
The government is also implementing other programmes in the county, including a Sh1 billion last-mile electricity connectivity project targeting 13,000 households.
Under the project, Gatanga has been allocated Sh204 million to connect about 2,400 new households to the national grid.
The DP called for unity among Mt Kenya communities, saying the region will outlive the 2027 elections.
“Let’s compete in ways that foster the progress of our region and country. We’ve always had leaders from this region competing nationally, but those who lost would always keep peace.”
He also sounded a warning to cartels selling adulterated liqour to unassuming consumers, reiterating his commitment to ensure Kenyans are protected from harmful products.
Kindiki was accompanied by
Lands Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, as well as MPs Mary Waithera (Maragua),
Peter Kihungi (Kangema), Betty Maina (Woman Representative) and Sabina Chege (nominated).
The leaders hailed the government for the numerous projects saying the state has invested heavily with the aim of bettering locals’ lives.
