President Uhuru Kenyatta has always been accused of sidelining his own people from Mount Kenya on matters of development.
Area residents and politicians claim that he shifted his focus to undertaking development projects in Western and Nyanza regions after the handshake with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
In 2019, the President dismissed the allegations stating that “Those who think development should go to the people where a leader comes from should be ashamed of themselves.”
During Sagana Three meeting in Nyeri in February 2022, Uhuru played a video showcasing the projects he has launched in Mt Kenya, to win over the residents’ hearts.
Here is a list of 5 mega projects Uhuru initiated in Mt Kenya
Thiba Dam
The construction of Thiba Dam in Rukenya, Gichugu constituency of Kirinyaga County was aimed at ensuring adequate water supply for the country’s agriculture.
Engineer Charles Muasya, the deputy general manager at the project noted that it cost Ksh7.8 billion as opposed to the initial estimated cost, Ksh8.2 billion.
Thiba Dam, one of President Kenyatta’s flagship projects, is 40m high and 1 km in length with a storage capacity of 15.6 million cubic meters of water.
Chaka Market
The ultramodern market located in Nyeri hosts around 1,000 traders. Chaka market used Ksh1 billion of taxpayers’ money and was completed in three phases; a matatu terminus, open-air markets, and a value addition block.
The first phase which has a twin wholesalers’ block, retail block, and lockable kiosks was completed in 2016.
It replaced one of the largest markets in the country, the Karatina market.
Chaka Market was expected to provide a conducive environment for traders and farmers to sell their produce.
Wanduhi – Ndiara road
The tarmacking of the 14.2km Ndiara-Wanduhi road in Gatanga Murang’a cost Ksh1 billion.
It is an extension of the Mau-Mau road passing through Kiambu, Murang’a, and Nyeri counties.
Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) was in charge of tarmacking the road that was meant to be launched in March 2022 but is yet to be completed.
Residents of Gatanga claimed that the contractor moved machinery from the road to another construction site.
Karimenu II Dam
Jubilee’s administration sought to end the water shortage in the country through the construction of the Ksh24 Billion water project that was completed early this year.
Athi Water Development Authority (AWWDA) stated the dam will supply water to Ruiru, Juja, and Athi River towns.
The 26.5 billion litres of water produced is treated and supplied through a gravity-driven piping system.
The dam was expected to increase the economic growth of the area through enhanced road networks and attract investors.
Kenol-Marua Dualcarriage
The construction and upgrade of the 84km single-lane Kenol-Sagana-Marua road in Central Kenya was estimated to cost Ksh32.4 billion.
At least 17,000 people have gained skills from the program meant to connect Kenyans and promote economic development between Kenya and Ethiopia.
The project, set to be completed in December 2022, is part of the Great North Road, a pan-African artery connecting Cairo and Cape Town.
In Kenya, the Great North Road runs from Namanga to Moyale through Nairobi.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
