Three State agencies are yet to grant the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) approval to construct a section of the 540km Mau Mau Road.

The Ihithe-Aberdare Forest-Kahuruko-Ndunyu Njeru stretch of the road has stalled due to a stalemate between the agencies. The construction was expected to be completed next year.

But it stalled after the Kenya Forest Service (KFS), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and the National Environment Management Authority (Nema) declined to grant KeNHA an environmental impact assessment approval. Both KWS and KFS say construction of the road will interfere with the Aberdare Forest ecosystem.

In a petition filed by Nyandarua County Assembly Speaker Stephen Waiganjo following a resolution by Ward Reps, the petitioner wants the Senate to summon the State agencies over the matter.

“This House does resolve to petition the Senate to consult with Nema, KeNHA, KFS and KWS with the aim of considering the re-tendering and construction of the road,” the petition reads in part.

 Farmers lifeline

The Ward Reps want Senate to initiate approvals from KFS, Nema and KWS for the benefit of residents, adding that stalled roads will adversely affect traders and farmers who need to ferry their goods and produce to the market.

“Cancellation of this tender has dampened the hopes of traders in Kiambu, Murang’a and Nyeri counties, who were hoping to establish links with farmers in Nyandarua,” the petitioners state.

The 25km stretch passes through the Aberdare National Park and the Aberdare Forest and is to cost Sh4.4 billion.

Nyandarua County Assembly members argue that the road through the forest was aimed at reducing travel time and lowing the cost of goods and farm produce, as the alternative route (Nyahururu-Nyeri Road), is about 180km longer.

KeNHA was also constructing the road to improve tourism in Nyandarua, Nyeri, Nakuru and Murang’a counties.

The Ward Reps argued that the reason is given — that the road will interfere with the Aberdare Forest eco-system — “is not good enough as human beings have always interacted with wildlife and forests.”

The County Assembly lawmakers cited other roads that cut through forests and national reserves, such as Thika-Flyover (Magumu) Road, Naivasha-Njabini-Gatura Road and Nairobi-Mombasa Road (cutting through Tsavo National parks), saying they have not interfered with ecosystems.

“Due to poor infrastructure, farmers cannot take their products to better markets, leading to perpetuated suffering in these counties,” the petition adds.

Now KeNHA has cancelled the tender for the construction of the road after it failed to secure approval from these agencies.

  Unlock impasse

Senate Speaker Amason Kingi directed the House committees on Land, Environment and National Resources; and Roads, Transportation and Housing to summon the State agencies to unlock the impasse.

The committees are expected to inquire into the standoff and table their joint report on the floor of the House within 60 days, in line with Senate rules.

Construction of the 540km Mau Mau Road, a flagship project of the previous government, started in 2019. The road links Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties. It runs from Kamahindu in Limuru to Nyandarua. It was named Mau Mau in honour of freedom fighters of mid last century who lived in Aberdare Forest.