Mau Mau Road Lot 2 Takes Shape as Construction Picks Up in Murang'a

The Mau Mau Roads programme is transforming historic routes associated with the Mau Mau freedom struggle into modern road infrastructure, with construction activity currently visible along several sections of the network.

The wider programme was originally planned as a 540-kilometre road network connecting parts of Kiambu, Murang’a, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties at an estimated cost of about KSh 30 billion.

Paved sections. /Handout

The programme is divided into several construction lots, with Lot 1A and Lot 1B covering sections in Kiambu, Lot 2 covering Murang’a and Lot 3 covering sections in Nyeri.

Lot 1A in Kiambu covers about 105 kilometres. The contract was awarded to China Wu Yi Company Limited, with the project listed at approximately KSh 4.193 billion.

The route runs through Gataka, Gatina, Gwa Kariuki, Gitiha, Mathanja, Iria-ini, Kagaa, Matimbei and Kamahindu.

Lot 1B, also in Kiambu, covers approximately 112.6 kilometres. China Railway Seventh Group Company Limited was identified as the contractor, with the contract value reported at about KSh 4.55 billion.

Lot 2 is the Murang’a section and is among the parts of the programme currently receiving renewed attention as construction activity continues.

Contractor's camp. /Handout

The section stretches through Mairi, Kinyona, Mununga, Ichichi, Kiruru, Tuthu, Wanjere, Kagongo, Mioro, Kiamuturi and Kairo.

The State Department for Roads describes the Lot 2 project as a 154-kilometre corridor being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), with the road being upgraded to heavy-duty bitumen standards.

The project is intended to improve connectivity across the Aberdare foothills while opening up communities that have historically faced difficult transport links.

The Lot 2 contract is valued at about KSh 6.754 billion. CAS Consultants Limited is associated with the project as the consultant.

The current works include earthworks, drainage structures and road formation, with construction equipment deployed along sections of the corridor.

Ongoing drainage and earthworks. /Handout

The road is being developed through terrain that includes steep sections, agricultural land and heavily settled rural areas, making drainage and earthworks important components of the construction.

The project also carries historical significance. The State Department for Roads has described the works as transforming routes once used by Mau Mau freedom fighters into modern transport infrastructure.

The wider network is intended to improve movement of people and agricultural produce while strengthening connections between communities in the central highlands.

Lot 3 covers sections in Nyeri. Sinohydro Corporation Limited was identified as the contractor, with the contract value reported at approximately KSh 4.5198 billion for the 2020 to 2024 implementation period.

Not every section of the wider Mau Mau Roads programme has progressed at the same pace. Some sections have been completed, while others have experienced delays or remain under construction.

Government development estimates continue to list funding allocations for several Mau Mau Roads lots, including Lot 1A, Lot 1B, Lot 2 and Lot 3.

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The continued allocation of funds reflects the fact that the programme remains active despite differences in progress between individual contracts.

The roads are also significant beyond their historical connection. Better all-weather links are expected to reduce travel difficulties, improve access to markets and services, and support economic activity in rural communities.

For residents along the Murang’a corridor, the ongoing works therefore represent more than a road upgrade. They are gradually replacing difficult sections with a modern road network designed for long-term connectivity.

Source: State Department for Roads and project information shared by Ignatius on August 11, 2026. Additional project and funding details cross-checked against government budget records and Kenya News Agency reporting.