Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has shed light on why the underpasses along the James Gichuru to Rironi area frequently flood during rainy seasons.
In response to a query raised by lawyer Paul Muite, Murkomen explained that the flooding occurs because the outfall drains for these roads have not been completed.
“James Gichuru to Rironi underpasses do flood because their respective outfall drains have not been completed. This includes Zambezi, Chunga Mali/ Tilisi, and Gichini. For Zambezi & Chunga Mali the acquisition of land to construct a pond is not done.
“Unfinished work includes service roads, Kangemi overpass, Gitaru interchange, the various other underpasses. Outfall drains also plus street lights and footbridges,” the CS said.
He further noted that several other roads in the same vicinity remain unfinished for various reasons. Murkomen pointed out that the James Gichuru-Rironi road also has an ongoing development contract with a significant pending bill, which is the main reason for its incomplete state.
According to Murkomen, the contractor is awaiting payment to resume work and complete the remaining tasks.
He highlighted that incomplete roads nationwide have an accumulated pending bill of Sh165 billion, and the law does not allocate road maintenance funds to roads under construction.
“According to the law, roads with active development contracts cannot receive maintenance funds.
“Due to the accidents and incidents on that road, we have requested partial budgetary support from the treasury and have negotiated with the contractor to resume work and complete the most critical sections for safety upon receiving partial payment,” Murkomen said.
He also mentioned that he has held discussions with the leadership of Nairobi and Kiambu counties on the matter.
Murkomen stated that they anticipate work to begin on the affected road within the next four weeks.
“We have extensively discussed the matter with Kiambu’s leadership, led by the Majority Leader of the National Assembly, and Nairobi’s leaders. Governor Sakaja, MPs from Westlands, Kabete, Kikuyu, Kiambaa, Limuru, and Lari, as well as the Women Rep and Senator from Kiambu, have all approached me to discuss the completion of that road,” he said.
This explanation comes as floods wreak havoc across city roads and adjacent counties. Over the weekend, vehicles were stranded in flooded waters, and several people have been reported missing.
