Where is the Sh5.8m for Rongai road?

Kajiado residents face myriad challenges which must be addressed gradually and strategically to ensure locals enjoy the county's fortunes.

Ongata Rongai has become one of the most difficult places to live in the Nairobi metropolitan area.

One of the debilitating challenges that continues to bleed the local economy is the infamous traffic jam. A typical Rongai resident who works in Nairobi spends upto six hours a day in traffic.

Being one of the richest regions in the county, the economic impact is not just limited to Kajiado County but is also felt in neighbouring counties such as Nairobi, Machakos and indeed the entire country.

The dualling of Magadi Road from Bomas to Magadi town is long overdue. But even before converting the narrow road into a dual carriage, there are lots of bypasses and link roads that can disperse traffic if upgraded to make them motor-able all year round. While Magadi Road falls under the national government through the Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha), both Gataka and the Rimpa Maasai Lodge roads fall under the county government through Kenya Rural Roads Authority (Kerra).

Out of the Sh8.1 million allocated for repair works on Gataka Road in the last financial year, only Sh2.3 million was released. Where did Sh5.8 million go to?

In the 2016-17 financial year, the county government has allocated only Sh13 million for all roads in Kajiado North sub-county while the Kerra and Kenha budgetary allocation to the sub-county is unclear.

Ongata Rongai also suffers from what has been called "blackout Thursday" when all businesses that depend on electricity go on forced holiday.

Lack of a sewerage system is a health disaster waiting to happen. Owners of apartment blocks routinely release raw sewage onto the streets and into nearby rivers.