The government of Kenya is seeking Sh 12billion to construct the first dual carriage road in Meru. Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Upper Eastern Regional manager Sheikh Takoy confirmed the report and said that final designs have already been made.
“Valuation of properties has been completed. Final designs of the multi-billion highway are ready awaiting the government to source for funds to kickstart the construction,” said Sheikh.
The Meru dual carriage road project is set to link the western and eastern bypasses. Both bypasses originate at Gikumene – three kilometres from Meru town along the Meru-Embu road – and have been built by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) at a cost of Sh 3 billion.
Meru dual carriage project
The 8.8 km western bypass links motorists to the Meru-Nanyuki road at Gitoro near Meru National Polytechnic while those travelling to Maua and the National Park take the 12.6 km eastern bypass, linking the Meru-Maua road at Kaaga Girls high school.
The new road also starts at Gikumene across the town to Makutano where an interchange will be built, to Gitoro, connecting with the western bypass. Another 5.4 km dual carriage will be built from Makutano, linking the eastern bypass at Kaaga Girls to Ruiri junction from where motorist can drive to Isiolo airport.
Upon completion, the road is expected to easen up traffic snarl-ups in Meru town which has become a transit point with the growth of Isiolo and Nanyuki towns. It will also transport hub in the upper eastern region, given its strategic location between Nairobi and Isiolo.
“The dual carriage will also have pedestrians walkways as well as foot bridges,” said Charles Njogu, KeNHA assistant director corporate communications.
