Thika residents welcome plan to make Njomoko – Mang’u a dual carriageway.

Samuel Owen, a resident of Ngoingwa estate making his contribution during a public participation forum organised by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) at Ngoingwa chief’s camp to discuss the construction of the Kiambu-Thika Road.

Residents of Thika’s Ngoingwa area have supported government's plan to construct a 14km dual carriageway from Junction B30/A2 Thika Superhighway (Njomoko) to Mang’u.

While speaking at Ngoingwa chief’s camp during a public participation forum organised by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the residents said it would ease congestion in Thika town, improve businesses and help road users to connect to Nakuru and Kiambu towns faster.

The road, which is currently in design stage, will be 40m in width with a pedestrian footpath and a cycling path.

(See Related Story: Plans to construct Thika-Garissa Dual Carriageway at very advanced stage)

It is part of a 62km road that commences on Junction B32/B30 (Kiambu Road opposite Kiambu Institute of Science and Technology –KIST) through Kirigiti, Riabai, Ngewa, Kibichoi, Nembu, Ichaweri, Gatundu, Kang’oo, Mang’u and ends at Junction B30/A2 Thika Superhighway (Njomoko).

Upon completion, this road will improve journey times between Kiambu and Thika towns, it would become a preferred route in the area. This will take traffic off other local roads.

Other than the Riabai – Ngewa and the Njomoko – Mang’u stretches that will be dual carriageways, the other sections of the road will be single carriageway of rural road standards with a 2m shoulder. The Ngewa – Riabai stretch will also include 4.5m service roads (matatu lanes) on selected sections in Kirigiti area.

The officials noted that residents living within the stretch between Njomoko and Kisiwa Primary might not be affected by the construction of the road as none was within the targeted road corridor. However, some people might be affected especially between Kisiwa Primary School and Mang’u where the corridor was not enough.

The officials assured them of compensation that would be calculated using the current market rates.

The residents requested KeNHA to ensure that the road had enough provisions for drainage to avoid flooding in Thika and also bear safety measures that would reduce road carnage along the road.

They also requested that the contractor to ensure minimal disruption of businesses along the road during the entire expansion exercise.

(See Also: First Phase of Garissa Road expansion to be complete in two months – KeNHA.)

On behalf of the area MP Eng. Patrick Wainaina, his Personal Assistant (PA) John Mwangi Njuguna appealed to Thika residents to support the project as it would eventually benefit them upon completion.

He appealed to KeNHA to ensure prompt and just compensation on anyone who will be affected by the construction.

“The main objective here is to reduce congestion on our roads, help our people to easily get around and open up new opportunities for business. The existing road which is a single carriageway is an impediment to flow of the high traffic experienced between Nairobi and Thika town. It therefore requires upgrading to dual carriageway to absorb and serve this traffic and support the socio-economic growth of this area and at the same time bring business opportunities and employment,” said Mwangi.