Construction of Sh5.5 billion Njomoko interchange, dual way at advanced stage-KeNHA
The construction of Sh5.5 billion Njomoko interchange at Thika town’s entry point from the Superhighway and the dueling 15 km of the road towards Gatuanyaga area is at an advanced stage, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed.
The project that is set to ease traffic, open up Thika town to business and change the face of the town is at the design stage.
The interchange will be constructed at Sh 2.5 billion while the road will be dueled at Sh 3 billion.
The road will be dueled into four express lanes and two service lanes. Other interchanges have also been proposed at Gatitu area, Engen and BAT area junctions.
A Senior Engineer at KeNHA Eng. Ephrahim Opuge told a stakeholders meeting yesterday that the design stage is almost complete and will hand over the report to allow Bills of Quantities to be processed, before the procurement is done.
Though he was not specific on when the construction works will begin, Opuge said the process was at a very advanced stage.
The stakeholders led by Thika West Deputy County Commissioner Mbogo Mathioya called on those who have established structures along the road reserve to move, saying they will be demolished.
He cited the Makongeni area where semi-permanent structures and parking bays have been erected saying the owners will be given notices to move when the works commence.
Mt Kenya Matatu Owners Association Chairperson Michael Kariuki lauded the project saying it would ease traffic, reduce wear and tear of their vehicles and open up the town to business.
He however called for more stakeholder involvement so as to sensitize drivers that ply the route on the changes.
He said dual carriageways pose danger to drivers when new to the road and put the lives of passengers to risk.
The Chairman Thika Bodaboda Association John Mugendi called on the designs to set aside walk ways and designate areas for bodaboda movements to avoid accidents.