Calls for resumption of Sh30 billion Mau Mau road

Construction of the road traversing through the Aberdare Ranges was initiated during the last months of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's reign. [Boniface Gikandi, Standard]

Nyandarua residents have called on President William Ruto to order the resumption of the Sh30 billion Mau Mau Road that connects Nyandarua and Murang'a counties.

The residents led by clerics spoke during an interdenominational church service at Wanjohi Primary in Kipipiri where Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua are in attendance.

"As Nyandarua people, we are worried. The church is addressing you. Just say a word and that Mau Mau Road will be done. We need it," said Bishop Peter Macharia.

Construction of the road traversing through the Aberdare Ranges was initiated during the last months of former President Uhuru Kenyatta's reign to ease transport between the two counties.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) announced the cancellation of the project a month after President Ruto took over the presidency.

Bishop Macharia took issue with the reasons given by the various bodies for the cancellation among them Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA).

"The excuses given by the government agencies are unfounded. We have coexisted with the animals in Aberdares for many years. Saying that we shall interfere with them is not true," said Macharia.

The cleric pointed out that the road would have been instrumental in supplying foodstuff to other parts of the country where Kenyans are grappling with hunger.

"Kenyans have been dying out of hunger yet we have a surplus here. We need factories here and that road to ensure our produce does not go to waste," said Macharia.

Macharia further called on the new administration to actualize the dream of Nyandarua Univerisity which has been hanging on the balance since 2013.

"We only have a signpost for Nyandarua University in the Captain area. Mr President just say a word and next year we shall have our children at our own university," said Macharia.

Kipipiri MP Wanjiku Muhia lauded the cleric saying that the political leadership of the county was in agreement with the plea.

"We know the budget is tight but it is our prayer that you will give us that road alongside other roads connecting Nyandarua to the rest of the counties. You will really touch our hearts," said Muhia.

Nyandarua Senator John Methu reiterated on the significance of the road to open up market linkages between Nyeri and Murang'a counties.

"They are saying that the animals are the excuse. As the chairperson of the Lands, Forestry and Wildlife I can assure you that no animal shall be harmed. We need that road," said Methu.

Ndaragwa MP George Gachagua noted that the residents were being forced to take longer routes to connect with areas on the eastern side of the Aberdares due to the poor state of the Mau Mau Road.

"It is easy for us to go to Garissa than going to Muranga or Nyeri. Our food is rotting on the farms because of our roads. Please Mr President, open Mau Mau Road for us," said MP Gachagua.