The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) records indicate that Kenyans part with Kshs1.5 million every day to maintain Thika Superhighway.
In the report, KeNHA indicated that the highway consumed up to Kshs1.08 billion in maintenance costs along the 45km stretch connecting Nairobi and Thika town between 2016 and 2018.
Speaking during the release, KeNHA’s assistant director of corporate communications, Charles Njogu, revealed that the price was inflated by the amount of projected road maintenance, replacement of accident damaged furniture, lighting and drainage among others.
“Please note that the contract amounts are based on road condition, amount of projected maintenance works, replacement of road furniture that may be damaged in case of accidents, lighting, drainage and blockage clearance among other extraneous factors,” stated Mr Njogu.
He further explained that the road, classified as a 90km stretch owing to its two-sided highway nature, was often maintained so as to enhance road safety as well as make it more efficient.
“It also includes 24-hour surveillance and clearance of stalled traffic, in the case of Thika Superhighway, to ensure traffic flow,” he continued.
The report also revealed that the highway alone scoops more than a quarter of what the state spends to maintain national highways estimated to stretch 1,239km around the country.
According to the report, the highway connecting Mai Mahiu to Narok was the second most expensive highway in the country costing taxpayers Ksh375 million between 2016 and 2018.
The highway, which was launched in 2012 after only a three-year construction period, had, however, been gathering dust since its formulation in 1990s until NARC government, led by then President Mwai Kibaki, picked it up.
According to an earlier report by Kenyans.co.ke, the project was actualised at a time when Hon. Raila Odinga was the minister of roads and public works hence he was considered the father of the highway.
