Nairobi: Residents of Kambiti and Maranjau in Maragua Constituency, Murang'a County, have decried the deplorable condition of the road connecting the two areas, saying they have been left behind in development due to poor infrastructure.
According to Kenya News Agency, the residents say the Kambiti-Kiambamba-Maranjau road has been in a poor state for many years, with leaders shifting blame between the county and national governments over who should repair it. The road is consistently impassable, hindering daily activities and economic growth year-round, regardless of the season.
John Kamau, a boda boda rider, said the road has remained a challenge for years despite several promises from leaders. 'The area Member of Parliament said this road is the responsibility of the county government. However, she has launched it many times, but we have not seen any real work,' he said, adding that the area MCA has also failed to intervene. Kamau added that the poor state of the road is costing them money in frequent motorcycle repairs and spare parts. 'This road damages our motorbikes and has caused many accidents,' he stated.
Another resident, Joseph Macharia, also a boda boda rider, expressed frustration, saying the poor road often causes accidents. 'Sometimes you end up in an accident not because you are reckless, but because the motorcycle slips,' he said, adding that residents feel neglected as development seems concentrated in other parts of the constituency. The residents are now urging both the county and national governments to work together and find a lasting solution, saying they would no longer accept being left behind in development projects.
Beyond public transport, the road also serves Maranjau Prison, one of the largest correctional facilities in Murang'a County. For the institution, the poor condition of the road poses not only an inconvenience but also a security risk. Dr. Humphrey Young, the officer in charge of the prison, said the road is barely motorable, making it difficult to transport inmates to court and hospitals. 'Other than taking inmates to court, we also take them to hospitals in Murang'a or Makenji. The poor road is a security risk because our vehicles can only move at a slow pace,' he said. Young urged the relevant authorities to prioritize the road's improvement to ease movement and reduce security risks when transporting inmates.