Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, on Thursday, April 20, defended the Ksh11 billion road project passing through Aberdare Forest following concerns raised by environmental conservationists over its impact.
Murkomen confirmed to the joint seating of Senate Lands and Senate Transport Committees that 52km of the road project would cut through the vast Aberdare Forest.
He added that the 97.8 km road will link Murang’a, Nyeri and Nyandarua counties, but acknowledged that conservationists had raised concerns that the stalled project would degrade the environment.
He concurred with their observations telling the joint committee that the construction of the road will lead to restriction of movement of wildlife species, the species of conservation importance, such as elephants and rhinos, soil waste littering on the roadside in the park and potential noise disturbance on the local residence and wildlife population.
However, to address some of the challenges raised, the CS proposed the construction of an underpass at specific locations to allow the movements of elephants, rhinos and other wild animals.
A similar approach was used in constructing the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) near Tsavo National Park and Nairobi National Park.
He also proposed setting up designated parking zones for trucks and inspection centres for all vehicles to curb poaching.
According to the CS, consultant supervision cost Ksh250 million and Ksh11.6 billion for procurement and construction. However, he stated that the cost was projected to rise.
Following the concerns, Murkomen told the committee that the Kenya Kwanza government awaited the final assessment report before approving the project.
“We are waiting for the final environmental assessment report which will determine whether we will go ahead with the project which has stalled for the last 10 years because working on a road project in the Aberdare Forest is a matter of great concern since the environment has to be protected,” he stated.
Murkomen sentiments were supported by Cabinet Secretary of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Soipan Tuya and her Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage counterpart Peninah Malonza.
