The road infrastructure in Kajiado County is getting closer to its completion each day, with the Ngong – Suswa road project expected to be complete this year.
The Ngong-Suswa road project, launched in June 2018 and under the supervision of the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), is expected to be completed in December 2025 after stalling for some time.
Earthwork section supervisor at the site Robert Okumu told KNA that the project, whose road traverses Kajiado North and West sub-counties, aims to enhance connectivity between Nairobi, Rift Valley and Nyanza regions and is currently at 95 percent.
Although there were some delays experienced along the way, residents of the Ngong area are optimistic and hope that the road would be complete in the few months remaining, as promised.
Okumu acknowledged that there was a bit of delay experienced during the project because of the 2022 general election, which derailed the project for some time, but he was hopeful that the project would be complete by August 2025.
The weather and the disruption caused by pedestrians and vehicles were also part of the challenges that the construction workers undergo as they undertake their respective assignments, he added.
“We resumed in September 2024 after a long time to ensure that we finish this project for the benefit of the people in the area and Kenya at large. I am convinced this road will be of great importance to Kajiado County, for it will encourage economic activities, which bring about developments and expansion. For instance, the growth rate of Ngong as a town will escalate, bringing more investors because of the ease in accessibility using this road,” cited Okumu.
Okumu assured residents that they would work together to make sure that the project is completed and all necessary installations needed to make sure things are running smoothly and done in the shortest time possible.
He however challenged the residents saying they were obligated to safeguard the road signs and lighting systems for their own benefit after the project is completed.
The construction workers and contractors are working round the clock to ensure the important project is complete in the shortest time possible. The road is designed to connect the Nairobi –Mai Mahiu highway in order to allow decongestion of the road, hence inspiring business and economic growth along the way.
Speaking to Kenya News Agency (KNA), a resident driver in the Kibiko area in Ngong sub county, Jeremy Mwangi, acknowledged that upon its completion, the project would be of great importance.
“Better access to services by the people would be realised; there will be improved transportation because the road will connect communities, making it easier and faster to travel for work, school, and social activities,” he added.
Mwangi expressed some optimism about the construction and congratulated the contractors on site for progressively doing a good job and adhering to the set quality standards.
“A good building that is up to standard will be able to serve the community for a long time and avoid inconveniences in the future,” Mwangi added, saying the project was an improvement from other road projects, which were never durable, hence causing a lot of distress to the residents shortly after their completion.
“After completion, I am giving this project a minimum of thirty years before it starts to wear out. With the construction technology I have seen being used to build this particular road, I am convinced that it will serve the people of Kajiado and Kenya at large for a very long time,” he said.
Even though the residents are content with the progress of the road construction, they still urge the government to check into the issues of signage and pedestrian walkways. Lack of proper signs to show directions and erection of bumps may be dangerous and deadly given that a lot of activities are expected in the area.
Local economies, particularly in livestock trade and agribusiness, are expected to benefit since transportation would be easier and more convenient in the near future. This is expected to happen because connectivity would be enhanced and eventually people will have better access to large markets that stimulate business; hence, economic empowerment is realized
A roller operator, Wilfred Kogo, who is working on the project, told KNA they would ensure that the road is in good shape so that connectivity would be seamless and growth inevitable.
“As operators, we are putting a lot of effort on a daily basis to ensure that this project will be a success. We are dedicated to making sure that our people get the best quality of road that will be durable and satisfying to them. We know the magnitude of this project and the impact it will create to the economy and lives of the residents, and so we cannot afford to fail them,” said Kogo.
Once finished, the road is expected to significantly improve transportation, access to markets, and overall economic growth in the region. Local communities, especially those involved in agriculture and livestock trade, are projected to benefit from better infrastructure and expanded economic opportunities.
In January, the Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Davis Chirchir made an inspection tour of the ongoing construction works on the Ngong-Suswa road in Kajiado County.
The road is approximately 70km long and is to be upgraded to bitumen standards at a cost Sh3.6 billion, which will be funded by the government.
By Edwin Gathii
