Multi-Billion Projects Transforming Kiambu [PHOTOS]

Karimenu II Dam under construction in September 2020.
Karimenu II Dam under construction in September 2020.
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With the onset of devolution, Kiambu county has seen a number of projects undertaken by the county government while also getting multi-billion projects by the national government.

The projects some of which are complete are set to change the face of the county with improved infrastructure and connectivity for residents.

Here are some of the notable amenities in the county:

Upgraded Roads 

According to the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU) billions of shillings has gone to road construction and maintenance in the county. 

Nairobi Southern Bypass
Nairobi Southern Bypass
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The major road project being the construction of the 28.5km Nairobi Southern Bypass financed by China Exim Bank to a tune of Ksh19.4 Billion.

Other road projects completed are the construction of Juja Circuit roads and access to Juja Railway station at a cost of Ksh 395.5 million, upgrading to Bitumen standards of Githurai -Kimbo Phase one and two at a cumulative cost of Ksh 763 Million.

Ksh17 Billion Western Bypass is currently under construction that connects to Kikuyu - Gitaru - Wangige - Ndenderu and Ruaka.

Electrification Program

Estates in Kiambu County benefitted from the massive installation of lights under the Kenya Urban Support Program funded by the World Bank.

The project included the installing of 315 street lights and 77 high masts in Juja, Thika, Limuru, Kikuyu, Kiambu, Karuri and Ruiru in Kiambu County.

The multi-million street lighting project was aimed at improving lighting conditions, security, and ease of doing business in various areas of the municipalities, thereby increasing the number of hours of doing business.

Street-lighting project in Kiambu county
Street-lighting project in Kiambu county
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Commuter rails upgrade 

In 2016, Kiambu which was included under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services Improvement Project (NaMSIP) saw the improvement of its commuter rail stations.

The stations that got an upgrade included Kikuyu, Kahawa, and Ruiru which are now complete.

The new Kikuyu Commuter Rail Station pictured in November 2019.
The new Kikuyu Commuter Rail Station pictured in November 2019.
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NaMSIP director Benjamin Njenga stated that the construction of the units would attract passengers who often use road transport, thus reducing congestion on the roads.

The stations would also make it easier for the disaster management team to move when an emergency occurs.

Water Projects

Kiambu county has had a number of dam construction projects undertaken.  In 2019, the construction of the Ksh24 billion Karimenu 2 Dam commenced in Gatundu North, Kiambu County.

The works however stalled as residents protested over unsettled compensation that ended up derailing the project that was expected to boost water supply in the Thika, Juja, Ruiru, and parts of Nairobi.

The Karimenu II Dam, is being built on a 600-acre parcel of land, is jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the China Exim Bank.

Also under construction is the Ksh14 Billion Kinale dam which is expected to supply Lari, Limuru, Kikuyu, and Kabete constituents with 500,000 litres of water daily upon its completion.

Some of the water projects that have been completed include Riu Nderi Water Pan (Ksh84.5 million), Nyakumu Water Pan (Ksh 74 million).

karimeni phase 2 water project in Gatundu North Sub County.
Karimeni phase 2 water project in Gatundu North Sub County.

Sports Stadium

Earlier in October, 2020, Sports CS Amina Mohammed commissioned the construction of the historic Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County. 

The project is estimated to cost Ksh596 million with the Sports CS giving the county government six  months to complete the stadium.

Once completed the stadium will have a capacity to host 16,000 fans, and will be built to international standards. 

Proposed new look of the Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County
Proposed new look of the Kirigiti Stadium in Kiambu County
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