Maragua MP Mary Waithera during an empowerment forum in Kamahuha on October 4, 2025 / ALICE WAITHERAThe government will relocate Sh30 million worth of projects that had been earmarked for implementation in Kenol town, Maragua subcounty, Murang’a County, following disputes with local youth over grounds currently used for sports activities.
The conflict began last month when a group of youths stopped construction works at Kimorori grounds, arguing that the space is the only available area for them to engage in sports.
The government, through the Maragua National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF), had planned to construct an ICT hub to help local youths access digital jobs.
The facility would have been equipped with computers and free Wi-Fi, offering young people opportunities to learn and work online.
The NGCDF had also planned to expand the Kenol Law Court, which was established in 2021 within a renovated hall at the subcounty headquarters near the contested grounds.
Area MP Mary Waithera said during an empowerment forum in Kamahuha that the court is among the busiest in the county and currently operates from limited space, with one courtroom housed in a makeshift room and another in a former government office.
“I lobbied for this court for years, and when it finally came, it had to be hosted in temporary spaces with the understanding that more funds would be sought to build a proper facility,” the MP said.
The NGCDF had also planned to build houses for police officers stationed at Kenol Police Station, who currently lack accommodation. Waithera said officers need to live near their station to improve service delivery and enhance security for the ICT hub.
However, local youths opposed the projects, saying Kenol town lacks recreational facilities and that developing the grounds would deny them space for sporting activities. They said the grounds have nurtured several local football talents who have advanced to national levels.
The dispute prompted several public participation forums.
During one of the meetings, Waithera and Deputy County Commissioner Gitonga Murungi told residents that the grounds were not gazetted as a public playground. Murungi explained that the six-acre parcel was donated decades ago for the development of government offices to support local growth and enhance security.
He said the land became government property once it was donated and remains under the administration of the subcounty office.
“While the compound has been used for sports, it is not an official playground because there is no separate ownership document indicating it as such. The land is under a single title held by the government,” Murungi said.
Waithera added that the land was donated in two parcels — one used to establish Kimorori Primary School and the other for subcounty government offices. A later public participation exercise approved the relocation of the school, paving the way for the expansion of subcounty offices.
The MP noted that residents of Makuyu have since requested that the projects be moved to their area, where there is available public land. She said the relocation would allow the projects to proceed without further conflict.
“I agree with the youths from Makuyu because the area has adequate public land, and we do not want to lose development funds due to disputes,” Waithera said.
According to her, the ICT hub will cost Sh9 million, while Sh20 million has been allocated for the construction of new court buildings. The NGCDF will put up a storeyed structure that the Judiciary is expected to expand in future.
“Makuyu is centrally located to host the courts because the Kenol Law Court serves Makuyu, Sabasaba, Kambiti, Ng’ati and Ithanga police stations. Makuyu Police Station will also provide security for the ICT hub,” she added.
Waithera further said the move will ensure the funds are utilized within the constituency rather than being returned to the National Treasury.
