Local Firm Secures Ksh2.47B Rumuruti Road Tarmacking Deal

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially awarded a contract worth Ksh2.47 billion to Wak Construction Limited, a Kenyan-owned firm, to undertake the tarmacking of the Rumuruti-Mutara road.

This development follows a competitive procurement process aimed at upgrading the current earth and gravel surface to bitumen standards.

Spanning a critical section between Laikipia and Nyandarua counties, the project is expected to streamline the movement of goods and people across the high-potential agricultural and livestock zones.

According to the contract details, the scope of work includes the construction of a standard 7-meter-wide carriageway with 2-meter-wide shoulders on each side.

The contractor is also required to install effective drainage systems, including culverts and side drains, to protect the road from the seasonal flooding that frequently affects the region.

Wak Construction Limited, which has previously handled several smaller infrastructure projects, will now take on one of its largest assignments to date under the supervision of KeNHA engineers.

The award comes at a time when the government is under pressure to complete stalled projects and initiate new links that support the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) spearheaded by President Ruto.

By choosing a local firm for a contract of this magnitude, the highways authority is signaling a continued commitment to building the capacity of domestic contractors.

For years, residents of Rumuruti and the surrounding areas have complained about the poor state of the road, which becomes nearly impassable during the rainy season.

The dust during the dry season has also posed health risks and increased maintenance costs for public service vehicles operating the route.

Beyond the immediate pavement works, the project will involve the construction of T-junctions and access roads to public institutions located along the corridor.

Road safety features, such as road markings, signage, and speed bumps in trading centers, are also integrated into the design.

The road is a vital link for the livestock trade, as it connects several major ranches and conservancies to the main markets in Rumuruti and beyond to Nakuru.

Improved infrastructure in this area is viewed by local stakeholders as a necessary step for the growth of the tourism sector in Northern Kenya.

The project timeline remains a point of focus for KeNHA, which has recently emphasized strict adherence to delivery schedules by all contracted parties.

Failure to meet milestones can lead to penalties or termination, as the authority seeks to optimize the use of taxpayer funds.

While the financial allocation has been secured, the community remains watchful to see how quickly the contractor mobilizes equipment to the site.

The tarmacking of this road is expected to reduce travel time between the two points by more than half, although the full impact will only be felt upon completion.

This contract represents a significant portion of the road development budget for the current fiscal year in the Rift Valley region.

As the works commence, the residents are hopeful that the project will also provide short-term employment opportunities for the youth in the area.