New Mati road to attract in investments in three counties

Ongoing construction work on Mati road which connects Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties. [Olivia Murithi/Standard]

Daniel Kirai, 78, and his wife Anne have waited for completion of the tarmacking of Mati Road for far too long.

The road connects Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties.

Among new developments along the road are petrol stations in the Tharaka area and a new hotel on the Meru side.

"For a long time there were no major economic activities in Tharaka. Lack of good roads caused marginalisation but we are seeing an increasing number of new businesses along the route, among them hotels," said Daniel Kirai, a Gaitu resident.

Mitunguu, Chaaria, Gaitu and Chiakariga shopping centres along the route are beneficiaries of the road.

"Unlike the Meru-Nairobi road, the Mati route to Meru, Tharaka, Embu is not hilly or winding. Most large vehicles will prefer it because it also shortens the time of travel from Nairobi by at least one hour," said Mr Kirai, a prominent farmer.

He said Mitunguu, Gaitu and other areas produce a lot of bananas and other farm products which will now be transported at lower prices.

"But in addition to lowering transportation costs we expect new processing plants along the Mati road. We want fruits factories to add value," he said.

Tharaka Nithi Senator Kindiki Kithure said the road will spur the economy of the region in a ‘big way’.

“It passes through Meru, Tharaka Nithi and Embu counties. Once it is complete it will be the preferred road by commercial vehicles drivers because it is not hilly or winding," said Prof Kindiki.

Before the project started, an acre of land fetched between Sh200,000 and 300,000.

"That has shot up to Sh2.5 million with commercial interests along the route growing. Towns such as Gaitu, Chaaria and Mitunguu (Meru) will grow. We are going to see rapid expansion and they will flourish again, like in the 1970s," Kindiki added.

The Mati road project started in 1957 when Mr Kirai was in Standard Seven at Gaitu in Central Imenti.

Kenya National Chamber of Commerce (Meru Chapter) Chairman Kenneth Mwenda said the project will significantly change the fortunes of the region.

"The Mati road is the game changer for the region. Many investors are rushing to the area to buy land for various investments. The once quiet markets along the road have increased economic activities," said Mr Mwenda.

Mr Dawood said land prices along the route had increased.

"People along the route have enhanced purchasing power because of new businesses," Dawood said.

Land Development and Governance Institute Executive Director, Dr Mwenda Makathimo, said it had taken a long time to complete the road but residents will be happy when the project is completed.

“This road shortens the journey from Nairobi to Meru town by at least one hour,” Dr Makathimo said.