Kajiado: Kajiado County has leased road works machinery from the national government under the Mechanical and Transport Fund to enhance road infrastructure in the area.
According to Kenya News Agency, the county Governor Joseph ole Lenku stated that they have leased the machinery to undertake 782.5 kilometres of road works valued at Sh160 million. The scope of work will include the opening up of inaccessible areas, murramming, gravelling, and grading of earthen roads, which are currently in poor condition due to heavy rains experienced in April last year.
While commissioning the machinery in Kajiado, Governor Lenku noted that the county government has allocated Sh112 million, while each of the 25 wards in Kajiado has set aside Sh2 million to lease the equipment. He also directed the county roads department to prioritize opening up waterways in urban areas like Kitengela, Kiserian, Rongai, Ilbissil, and Namanga, which face threats of flooding and drainage issues due to their dense populations.
Lenku emphasized that the lease contract would enable the county to benefit from quality and affordable roadworks, as the machine operators possess the necessary skills, unlike outside contractors who may not be as well-trained. He also committed to paying contractors and service providers owed by the county, acknowledging pending bills exceeding Sh2 billion.
Engineer Richard Thitai, Chief Mechanical Engineer from the Mechanical and Transport Division, stated that their collaboration with the county would ensure well-designed and prioritized road projects. He highlighted the importance of efficient maintenance activities to minimize disruptions and prolong infrastructure lifespan.
Thitai mentioned that optimizing available funds by pooling resources and leveraging economies of scale would allow both the Mechanical and Transport Division and counties to achieve cost efficiencies. This approach ensures taxpayers' money is used effectively, maximizing benefits for communities.
Engineer Thitai assured the county that all machinery allocated for the project would be utilized optimally according to contract terms. He further assured the governor that the Mechanical and Transport Division team, comprising engineers, mechanics, technicians, and plant operators, possesses the technical expertise needed for road construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation.
Jacktone Achola, the County Executive Committee Member for Roads, Transport, Public Works, and Energy, confirmed that each Member of the County Assembly provided a list of three roads for grading, opening, murramming, or gravelling. The machinery, including bulldozers, graders, rollers, tippers, and excavators, will begin work immediately across all wards, with each ward allocated its set of equipment. Achola disclosed that out of the 782.5 kilometres of road works planned, 722.5 kilometres will involve road openings, while 60 kilometres will be graveled.