Land prices have tripled along the route of the Kenol-Sagana-Nyeri road dual carriageway project which is taking shape. Many investors are eyeing the hospitality industry where they intend to put up hotels, lodges and camping sites. Others are scouting for space to put up petrol stations, learning institutions and light industries.
Property prices along the highway have tripled, with at least 20 real estate brokerage firms profiled to be doing business. In 2016, an acre was selling for Sh4.5 million along the tarmac. In 2018, an acre jumped to Sh7 million owing to upgrades of infrastructure. Now, the asking price is Sh8 million.
The Kenol-Sagana (48km) and Sagana-Marua (36km) phases are ongoing, according to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). Funded by the World Bank, the project traverses Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties where coffee, tea, potatoes, beans, maize and avocado are mainly grown. It also touches sections of Machakos and Embu counties.
Boost economic activities
The dual carriage road is being done in two phases simultaneously so as to hasten completion of the road before 2022. Phase one will start from Kenol to Sagana while phase two earmarked for next year will continue from Sagana to Marua in Nyeri County. The contractor explained that works were slowed down by the ongoing rains assuring that the works will be accelerated once the rains subsidize.
Upon completion, the road will shorten by half the time it currently takes from Nairobi to the central region and reduce the cost of ferrying farm produce to the capital. According to Transport Cabinet secretary Mr. James Macharia, expanding the road will boost economic activities between Nairobi and northern parts of Kenya. The future plans of the government, Macharia said, is to make the dual carriage reach Isiolo county and connect with the Lappset.
