Roads and Transport CS Kipchumba Murkomen has clarified why the James Gichuru to Rironi area underpasses frequently flood during rainy seasons.
Responding to a query raised by lawyer Paul Muite, Murkomen explained that the roads flood because their outfall drains 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 mentioned that numerous other roads in the same vicinity remain unfinished due to various reasons. Murkomen highlighted that the James Gichuru-Rironi road also has an ongoing development contract with a significant pending bill, which is the primary reason for its incomplete state.
According to Murkomen, the contractor is awaiting payment to resume work and complete the remaining tasks.
The CS pointed out 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.
“Under the law, a road with an active development contract can’t be allocated 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, upon receiving the partial payment, resume work and complete the most critical sections for safety,” 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 had extensive discussions with the leaders of Kiambu led by the Majority Leader National Assembly and Nairobi leaders. Governor Sakaja, MPs Westlands, Kabete, Kikuyu, Kiambaa, Limuru and Lari, Women Rep and Senator Kiambu have all called on me severally to discuss the completion of that road,” he said.
This explanation comes amid floods wreaking havoc across city roads and adjacent counties. Over the weekend, vehicles were stranded in flooded waters, and several people have been reported missing.
