Residents of Itugururu in Tharaka Nithi County have reached a consensus on a land acquisition plan to facilitate the construction of the Itugururu – Kamaindi Road, a crucial element in the establishment of an airstrip in the county.
The road, intersecting the earmarked airstrip site, is one of four vital routes being developed by the European Union through the French Development Agency.
This effort falls under the ambit of the Arid and Semi Arid Lands (ASAL) Rural Roads Program across Kenya.
Tharaka Nithi Governor, Muthomi Njuki, while leading a public participation forum at Itugururu on Tuesday, 30 January 2024 affirmed that the county government has allocated funds for compensating the owners of the 27-acre parcels of land affected by the project.
“Public cooperation has been instrumental, with residents willingly accepting compensation for land acquisition, clearing the path for the proposed road relocation and airstrip expansion. Construction tenders are being finalized, and commencement is imminent,” stated Governor Njuki.
This road, a crucial link for the proposed airstrip, will notably complete the Kibugua-Itugururu-Kamaindi Road, initially constructed halfway after being designated a Mau Mau road.
Among the other roads included in this transformative program are the Marima-Makutano road and the Kithaga-Materi-Kamarandi road.
Recognizing the agricultural richness of the county, Governor Njuki emphasized the significance of these infrastructural projects for efficient transportation of farm produce.
Furthermore, the proposed airstrip, situated just 5 kilometers from the designated site for the county aggregation industrial park at Kairini, marks a strategic move.
This industrial park, set to serve as a value addition hub, aligns with the broader vision of enhancing economic opportunities in the county.
The collaborative venture for this construction endeavor is anticipated to generate job opportunities in the county, fostering the availability of skilled labor.
Notably, the AFD (French Development Agency) has played a pivotal role in supporting Kenya, contributing to financing low-carbon infrastructure and enhancing access to essential services, particularly in urban areas.
