Kenya National Highway Authority has been forced to redesign the plan for the expansion of the Kamandura-Mau Summit road, following a request by Lari residents.
The residents were on Tuesday informed that some bridges, underpasses, bus stops and junctions have been included so that the road does not interfere with their businesses.
Kenha official Ken Kamau said some of the initial design was changed to suit the public’s wish. “A lot of consideration and consultations were done before redesigning some areas,” he said.
He spoke during a public participation drive at Nyambare trading centre in Lari, which was attended by residents of Lari and Limuru.
Those in attendance included assistant county commissioners Mary Njuguna (Limuru), Geraldine Barasa (Kijabe), Everlyne Moraa (Lari Kirenga), as well as Rebecca Chepkemoi from Lari subcounty headquarters.
Lari Kirenga MCA Joseph Karichu thanked the government for their sympathetic consideration that residents keep crossing the highway every day as they conduct their daily activities.
“Our trading centres such as Soko Mjinga, Gichiengo, Magina, Kimende, Rukuma and Nyambare are busy every day,” he said.
Kirenga thanked President Uhuru Kenyatta for expanding the Nairobi Nakuru Highway as it is so busy during the day and at night.
“This road has opened our region so much. Some of the activities done by locals are supported by this highway."
He said the completion of the project will boost trade activities for residents.
Kenha official Lucy Wainaina said residents who believe they will be affected by the project should inform them directly so that their issues are resolved once and for all to avoid the filing of different cases.
However, Joyce Gitau, a resident, asked the government to fast-track the project, as residents have witnessed some projects overstaying without being completed on time.
The road serves neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Southern Sudan and the Central Africa Republic through the Port of Mombasa.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
