Residents of Misri Informal Settlement in Limuru Municipality are relieved after decades of poor road access, as the long-awaited tarmacking of a 1.5-kilometre road nears completion.
The road, which links Kiratino (Red Cross Junction) through Misri to Karanjee, is transforming mobility within the settlement by easing the movement of people, goods and essential services.
For years, residents endured steep, muddy and often impassable roads, conditions that worsened during the rainy season and posed serious risks to transport, safety and livelihoods.
On Monday, engineers from the State Department of Housing and Community Development under the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project Phase II (KISIP II) National Project Coordination Team conducted an inspection of the ongoing infrastructure works. The team was led by Eng. Richard Kinoti and Eng. Patrick Laibuta.
They were joined by members of the Settlement Executive Committee (SEC), the Grievance Redress Committee (GRC), the County Project Coordination Team (CPCT), consultant Wanjohi Mutonyi, and the contractor, Amanta Construction Company Ltd. The inspection focused on evaluating progress, workmanship, and overall project implementation.
Inspectors noted significant progress across the settlement, including the completion of road tarmacking and concrete paving, hand-packing works, and road dusting. Drainage works are largely complete, with only minor sections remaining for cleaning and covering.
Outstanding works include the construction of footpaths, installation of road signage and markings, and the mounting of solar-powered security lights.
Beyond the road surface, the project incorporates modern drainage systems, pedestrian walkways and solar street lighting, improvements aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility and the overall quality of life for residents.
Speaking during the inspection, Kiambu County Chief Officer for Housing and Community Development Daniel Njenga said the project goes beyond infrastructure.
“This project is not just about roads; it is about transforming lives. Across Kiambu County, such initiatives help businesses grow, improve security and raise property values. This road unlocks opportunities and restores dignity for the people of Misri,” Njenga said.
Residents say the impact is already being felt with Peter Mwangi, a long-time Misri resident, describing the project as life-changing.
“For many years, movement during the rainy season was nearly impossible because the road became muddy and dangerous. With this tarmac, transport is easier, businesses are improving, and we feel safer, especially at night,” he said.
Misri is one of five informal settlements benefiting from KISIP II under Component One, Subcomponent 1.2, which focuses on infrastructure upgrading. The project is jointly funded by the National Government and the Kiambu County Government, with support from the World Bank and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD), and is being implemented under the leadership of Governor Kimani Wamatangi.
The inspection team expressed satisfaction with the progress and quality of work, noting that the project is approximately 70 per cent complete and is expected to be finalized by April.
By Kevin Karanja
