By Marion Kanari

The Directorate of Roads in Kiambu County has embarked on a massive initiative to sustain rural road rehabilitation and maintenance.

At the Rujwasco County quarry in Gatong’ora Ward, Ruiru, the Directorate is harvesting 4,000 tonnes of hardcore chip material to support the program. 

So far, 130 tonnes of hardcore chips have been produced through the excavation and crushing of rock boulders, aiming to rehabilitate access roads across all wards in the county during this financial year.

Rujwasco County Quarry in Gatong’ora Ward, Ruiru County

This initiative seeks to ensure regular and timely maintenance of roads while significantly reducing the costs associated with purchasing materials. To date, 725 kilometres of access roads have been gravelled, and 1,687 kilometres have been graded across the 60 wards.

To enhance the durability of the roads, comprehensive drainage solutions are being implemented. These include culvert installations, stone pitching and gabion works in areas prone to perennial flooding. 

Key projects include the installation of 900mm twin culverts at OJ-BTL and Sweetwaters Membley in Gitothua Ward. Similar underground drainage systems will be constructed in Kabete, Nyathuna and Kihara, with particular focus on Kanungu.

Roads Chief Officer, Edmund Njihia, emphasised that these efforts aim to mitigate flooding risks and prevent the deterioration of access roads, ensuring their longevity and improved usability for the community.

“We are focused on making all the roads in Kiambu motorable and the first step we have taken is to stockpile the materials before the works begin. The road works will be carried out simultaneously throughout all the wards,” said Njihia.

According to the Chief Officer, other drainage works will be conducted at Mugumo estate and Machiri Primary School in Ting’ang’a Ward and at Township ward Kiamumbi and Thindigua.

Governor Kimani Wamatangi drives a truck full of hardcore chips at the Rujwasco County quarry in Gatong’ora Ward, Ruiru Sub-County

As part of the sustained efforts to improve access, construction of bridges to connect various ridges is ongoing in various wards with Mariguiti motorable bridge in Kiganjo at 90 percent complete which will effectively connect Mariguiti to Gituamba ridges in Gatundu South, Muimia Bridge in Githiga ward is also ongoing at 50 percent while works are at 50 percent in Kabuteti.

Work is also expected to start at Kiruiru bridge in Nyathuna, Gaitete – Mungeere in Kirangi across Ruabura river Ndarugo ward and Maria ini area in Gituamba. 

“The directorate is committed to improve accessibility throughout the County and ensure sustained rehabilitation and maintenance of County transport infrastructure,” says Njihia. 

The excavation and crushing of rock boulders to rehabilitate access roads across all wards in the Kiambu County

Rehabilitation of feeder roads also continues throughout the County through grading and gravelling of existing and new roads.

Completed road works for the FY2024/25 is as below.

Development of Roads in Kiambu County