After nearly two decades of neglect and broken promises, residents of Mathioya Constituency in Murang’a county are now looking forward to a long-awaited transformation as the government moves to complete the stalled Kamagogo–Kiriko–Kagumoini–Chui–Karugia road.
The 15-kilometre stretch, which has remained largely impassable for years, is set to be tarmacked at a cost of Sh1 billion.
This development was confirmed by Mathioya Member of Parliament Edwin Mugo alongside MP for Ndia, George Kariuki, who is also the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Roads and Infrastructure.
The two leaders joined hundreds of residents at Kiriko grounds on Wednesday for a public participation forum and the official launch of the project, an event that many locals described as long overdue.
Speaking during the event, Mugo acknowledged the hardships residents have endured over the years due to the poor state of the road.
He noted that for more than 20 years, the road has been a major barrier to development, limiting access to markets, healthcare, and other essential services.
“For over two decades, this road has remained largely impassable, a barrier to opportunity, growth and dignity,” the MP observed.
Mugo emphasised that the project goes beyond infrastructure, describing it as a deliberate investment in the people of Mathioya.
He said the road will unlock trade, ease movement and drive sustainable economic growth in the region.
“We remain steadfast in our commitment to deliver meaningful, people-centred development across every corner of our nation. The journey to a more connected, prosperous Kenya is firmly on course,” he added.
On his part, Kariuki assured residents that the government is committed to completing all stalled road projects across the country.
He revealed that funds collected through the fuel levy will be released to contractors to ensure timely completion of such projects.
The legislator stressed that a well-developed road network is crucial in boosting the country’s economy, facilitating trade, and improving livelihoods.
Kariuki also called on Kenyans to support the government’s development agenda, especially in the education, infrastructure and health sectors.
Murang’a Woman Representative Betty Maina noted that farmers in Mathioya stand to benefit greatly once the road is completed.
She pointed out that the road passes through key agricultural zones known for tea, coffee and dairy farming.
According to Ms Maina, improved transport will reduce post-harvest losses and enable farmers to access markets more efficiently.
She also dismissed critics of the government, terming their remarks as baseless rhetoric.
For residents, the announcement brings renewed hope, though not without caution, with many recounting the challenges they have faced, particularly during the rainy season when the road becomes nearly unusable.
Transport costs often skyrocket, and access to essential services becomes a struggle.
Jane Wairimu, a local resident, expressed optimism but urged the government to follow through on its promise. She noted that the road had been launched twice before, only for the project to stall.
“We have heard these promises before, but we hope this time it will be different,” she said.
Despite the scepticism, residents welcomed the move, saying the completion of the road and its feeder links will significantly improve their lives and support local farmers.
If successfully completed, the project is expected to mark a turning point for Mathioya by connecting communities, boosting economic activities and restoring hope to a region that has waited for far too long.
By Bernard Munyao and Purity Mugo
