Phase II Works Begin on Kiamaina-Gathuthuma-Kianjagi Road

Phase II construction on the Kiamaina-Gathuthuma-Kianjagi Road project is progressing as earthworks give way to bitumen application along the targeted rural transport corridor.

The State Department for Roads (SDR) confirmed the development, indicating that heavy earthmoving equipment and haulage trucks are active along the alignment to prepare the sub-base and base layers.

Initial site preparation involved extensive clearing, grading, and compaction of earthworks to establish proper cross-fall and drainage structures. Contractors are utilizing heavy machinery, including motor graders, wheel loaders, and multi-axle tippers, to move material across active work zones.

Transitioning from gravel surfaces to asphaltic concrete or bituminised standards remains a priority for rural access infrastructure. Pavement upgrades are designed to withstand axle loads from local transport and mitigate seasonal road damage caused by heavy rainfall.

Proper subgrade preparation ensures long-term structural integrity before the application of prime coat and subsequent asphalt layers. Earthmoving crews are currently shaping the sub-grade to ensure stability along hilly segments where agricultural transport dominates daily traffic flow.

Beyond localized earthworks, the upgrading scheme connects key agricultural zones to broader regional transport networks. Surfacing the link supports year-round mobility for rural communities and agricultural logistics.

Government oversight of rural arterial upgrades typically falls under statutory bodies such as the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), which manages primary and secondary feeder corridors nationwide. Strategic trunk links and international highway corridors remain under the jurisdiction of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA).

Urban arterial networks are managed separately by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), ensuring designated administrative oversight across Kenya's road sector.

Civill engineering teams continue site activities to complete base course compaction and drainage installation prior to final bitumen laying. Heavy machinery movements remain concentrated along active sections to maintain project timelines.

The SDR noted that work will continue along the Kiamaina-Gathuthuma-Kianjagi alignment to complete all outstanding engineering packages scheduled under the Phase II contract scope.

Further updates from transport authorities will outline progress on subsequent surfacing stages and project completion milestones along the corridor.