Smart City plan transforms rural centres in Murang'a

An upgraded street in Mukarara shopping centre in Gatanga, Murang'a

 The Smart City Programme started by Murang’a county in 2023 has transformed rural shopping centres by giving them a much-needed facelift.

Under the programme, streetlights are installed and streets paved to enable residents engage in business round the clock. Most shopping centres in rural areas were previously characterised by muddy streets.

Poor lighting prompted residents to retire to their homes early due to poor security, with only bars and restaurants operated at night.

So far, the programme has been implemented in Maragua, Kenol, Kabati, Kangari, Murang’a town, Kangema, Kiria-ini, Kahatia, Kaguku, Gacharage, Kanyenya-ini, Zabka and Kamune towns.

“These Smart City projects feature extensive Cabro works that open up the towns and ease access to all businesses while creating a favourable environment during the rainy seasons,” Governor Irungu Kangata said while launching Mukarara smart city project on Wednesday.

He said his administration started the programme after realising the poor condition of shopping centres was hampering business in the grassroots.

Businesses in the back streets of the centres were disadvantaged as residents avoided them due to the dilapidated streets.

This, he said, forced traders to scramble for space on the main streets, causing congestion and hindering expansion in the shopping centres.

“We felt that it was wrong that in our centres, women could not even display their wares by the road sides because of mud.”

Governor Irungu Kang'ata addressing Mukarara residents in Gatanga during the launch of a Smart City project

He said the programme’s main objective is to improve urban infrastructure with the aim of easing business activities and boosting the economy.

 “We will continue expanding this programme to cover as many areas as possible so that the local economy can thrive.”

 “Previously, cabros could only be seen in big towns but now they have become part of our shopping centres. It’s important for people to have conducive spaces to conduct business,” the governor added.

 The projects also improve drainage and other facilities that facilitate the growth of the centres while keeping them clean.

Kihumbu-ini MCA Moses Gachui, also the deputy speaker, hailed the county government for implementing the project and ensuring residents conduct their businesses in a dignified environment.

 Gachui said the aim of devolution was to cascade development to the grassroots, saying the Smart City projects have impacted residents by uplifting the quality of their lives.

 “Now that this town has been upgraded, take advantage of the clean environment and expand your businesses,” he urged residents.

 Peter Mwangi, a boda boda operator, said transporting residents has been a dangerous activity in the shopping centre due to the muddy streets.

 Boda bodas would skid in the mud and cause accidents leaving many people with fractures.

 “We have sustained many injuries as we eke a living and when your boda boda falls, both your passenger and yourself sustain injuries. We are happy that that will no longer be happening because our streets have been upgraded,” he said.

 During the dry season, Mwangi said the mud would turn into a thick cover of dust, causing residents to have respiratory conditions.

 

Instant Analysis

So far, the programme has been implemented in Maragua, Kenol, Kabati, Kangari, Murang’a, Kangema, Kiria-ini, Kahatia, Kaguku, Gacharage, Kanyenya-ini, Zabka and Kamune towns. Most shopping centres in rural areas were previously characterised by muddy streets that made it impossible for traders to sell their wares. Governor Irungu Kang'ata said his administration started the programme after realising that the poor condition of shopping centres was hampering business in the grassroots.