Residents living along the proposed Ruiru-Githunguri-Uplands Highway corridor have been urged to voluntarily vacate areas encroaching on the road reserve as preparations for the long-awaited road upgrade gather pace.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) issued the appeal during a public participation forum held on Wednesday, June 3, as part of consultations ahead of the commencement of the road project that is expected to transform transport and economic activities across Kiambu County.
Speaking during the meeting, KeNHA Resident Engineer Maxwell Kamwana called on residents and businesses occupying sections of the road reserve to move out willingly to allow the project to proceed without delays.
According to the authority, the appeal is aimed at ensuring smooth implementation of the planned works before formal notices and possible enforcement measures are undertaken.
KeNHA noted that the government has already awarded the construction contract to a Chinese firm, with the project expected to commence once all necessary preparations, including clearance of the affected corridor, are completed.
The road project will cover approximately 44 kilometres and will see the existing route upgraded into a modern highway featuring improved pavement, drainage systems and pedestrian walkways in built-up sections.
The authority said the stakeholder engagement forum was a critical step in ensuring local communities understand the scope and benefits of the project while also addressing concerns likely to arise during implementation.
During the meeting, Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba called for the inclusion of adequate drainage infrastructure and pedestrian walkways to improve safety for residents and reduce damage caused by storm water.
Once complete, the upgraded B116 highway is expected to become one of the most important transport links in Kiambu County. The road will connect the Nairobi-Thika Superhighway at Ruiru with the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway at Uplands, improving movement of people, goods and services across the region.
The project is also expected to support farmers by easing transportation of agricultural produce to markets while boosting trade and investment opportunities in Githunguri and neighbouring towns.
KeNHA warned that residents who fail to vacate the road reserve voluntarily may face eviction after the authority issues the legally required public notices. Under existing procedures, affected occupants are normally granted a grace period of up to 30 days before enforcement action is undertaken.
The authority has previously carried out similar exercises on major road projects where notices were ignored.
With the project moving closer to implementation, local leaders and residents are hopeful the new highway will unlock economic growth, reduce travel time and improve connectivity across Kiambu County.
