Work Resumes on Critical 27km Machakos Road and Mto Wa Mawe Bridge

The State Department for Roads (SDR) has resumed construction works on the Devki to Kinanie road in Machakos County.

This project spans 27 kilometres.

Workers are upgrading the entire section to bitumen standards.

Additionally, the contract includes the complete reconstruction of the Mto Wa Mawe bridge, which serves as a critical link along this corridor.

Government officials confirmed that the engineering teams have returned to the site, following earlier interruptions that slowed down progress.

Local transport operators have welcomed the resumption, because the previous gravel surface deteriorated rapidly during the recent wet seasons.

Heavy vehicles serving local manufacturing plants and agricultural areas frequently transport goods along this route, although bad weather regularly disrupted their schedules.

The upgrade is expected to reduce vehicle maintenance costs for motorists, who have long complained about deep potholes.

The SDR operates under the Ministry of Roads and Transport (MRT).

The national government has prioritized the paving of rural and semi-urban arteries to connect farming hubs directly with markets.

According to regional administrators, the completion of the Mto Wa Mawe bridge will prevent seasonal flooding from cutting off Kinanie residents from the main highway.

Engineers on-site are currently focusing on earthworks, sub-base stabilization, and structural concrete pouring for the bridge foundations.

Heavy machinery, including excavators and compactors, has been deployed to expedite the earthworks before the next cycle of rains.

The road connects prominent industrial zones near the Devki area to residential estates in Kinanie, which has seen rapid population growth.

Real estate developers have actively acquired land in this part of Machakos County, but poor infrastructure has slowed housing construction.

With the return of contractor crews, property owners expect a recovery in land values and faster transport times.

Paving roads to bitumen standards typically involves laying a prime coat, followed by layers of asphalt concrete to ensure durability under heavy axle loads.

This specification is crucial for the Devki-Kinanie route, which accommodates commercial trucks carrying industrial materials and agricultural produce.

The SDR has instructed supervising engineers to monitor the quality of materials closely, so that the road achieves its designed lifespan.

President Ruto has previously directed government agencies to fast-track stalled infrastructure projects across the country, emphasizing the economic losses associated with incomplete works.

This directive has pushed departments to resolve payment disputes and logistical bottlenecks with contractors.

Funding constraints have historically delayed several road projects in Machakos County, but recent allocations have enabled contractors to mobilize back to sites.

Local traders in Kinanie market hope the improved road will lower the cost of bringing fresh produce to consumers in Athi River and Nairobi.

The bridge reconstruction is particularly urgent, as the old structure was prone to overflowing during heavy downpours, risking lives.

Security agencies in the area have also noted that a paved road will improve emergency response times and general policing.

The contractor has set up localized traffic diversions to minimize disruption to road users during the active construction phase.

Motorists have been urged to observe speed limits and exercise caution when approaching active work zones, especially near the bridge site.

Completion of the 27-kilometre stretch will eventually provide a reliable alternative route for traffic bypassing busy urban centers.