By Faith Mukundi
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has announced plans to tarmac 1,285 kilometres of roads in Murang’a County at a cost of Sh56 billion, in a major infrastructure programme expected to improve transport and boost agricultural production.
Kindiki said the Ikumbi–Karinga–Kinyona–Mairi Mau Mau Road was being upgraded to bitumen standards to support key agricultural sectors, including tea, dairy and avocado farming in Kigumo Constituency.
Speaking during a public engagement in Kinyona on Friday, October 9, 2026, the Deputy President said the road projects would improve the movement of farm produce to markets, reduce transportation costs and increase productivity.
The Mau Mau road network is also intended to honour Kenyans who fought for the country’s independence during the colonial period.
“The roads will improve movement of agricultural produce to markets, lower transport costs and improve productivity,” Kindiki said.
The announcement comes as the government seeks to expand road infrastructure in Murang’a, a county whose agricultural economy depends on efficient transportation of produce from farms to markets and processing facilities.
The Ikumbi–Karinga–Kinyona–Mairi road forms part of the Mau Mau Roads Programme, which targets improved connectivity in areas associated with the struggle for independence.
In separate remarks during the same engagement, Kindiki assured residents that the government had secured funds to complete the Kigumo section of the road, with plans to connect it to adjoining sections towards Kagema and beyond.
He said the government had also prioritised the tarmacking of an additional 1,285 kilometres of roads across Murang’a County at an estimated cost of Sh56 billion.
The Deputy President warned contractors against delaying infrastructure projects, saying those who fail to deliver after receiving public funds would face consequences.
“Contractors delaying projects will be blacklisted for sabotaging national interest, and where they receive payment and fail to deliver, they will face criminal prosecution for obtaining by false pretenses,” he said.
Kindiki was accompanied by Lands and Housing Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome, Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina, nominated MP Sabina Chege, Maragua MP Mary Wamaua and nominated Senator Veronica Maina.
Sports Principal Secretary Elijah Mwangi, Members of the County Assembly and other local leaders also attended the engagement.
The proposed road upgrades are expected to improve access to markets and reduce logistical challenges for farmers and traders, although the pace of implementation will depend on project funding, contractor performance and completion timelines.