The government has unveiled a comprehensive strategy aimed at bolstering security and safeguarding vital infrastructure during the construction of the Sh200 billion Rironi–Mau Summit Road, which is slated for completion by June next year.
This initiative includes the deployment of additional security personnel along critical segments of the highway to facilitate smoother traffic flow on designated diversion routes throughout the construction phase.
As a crucial lifeline for the Western region, this road has raised significant safety concerns in recent years, with a troubling record of fatal accidents claiming numerous lives.
Cabinet Secretary for Interior and Coordination of the National Government, Kipchumba Murkomen, confirmed that construction has already commenced in earnest, financed through a Public-Private Partnership.
During a development tour in Naivasha on Wednesday, Murkomen highlighted that this multi-billion-shilling project represents a transformative development poised to alleviate chronic traffic congestion and stimulate regional growth.
“The government has prioritized security to ensure uninterrupted construction of the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, minimize transport disruptions, and meet the June completion deadline,” stated Murkomen.
He assured that security personnel will maintain a constant presence to enhance safety on alternative routes during the construction, particularly in light of the upcoming World Safari Rally championship next month.
Local youths, women, and business community members are already gearing up to seize the numerous job opportunities anticipated throughout the year-long construction period.
As a result, Naivasha and Mai Mahiu towns stand on the brink of significant development, with the highway traversing these areas. Attendees of conferences and tourists near Lake Naivasha can expect efficient travel in record time.
Moreover, Murkomen announced the revival of stalled administrative offices for the Naivasha Sub-County, a project that has received Sh50 million in funding approval from the National Treasury.
He further revealed that his ministry has collaborated with the Ministry of Housing to initiate the construction of housing for police officers in the area, addressing the current housing shortages.
This announcement follows the government’s establishment of a new specialized unit aimed at combating rising crime, drug abuse, and criminal gangs in the Nairobi metropolitan area.
Murkomen indicated that the Nairobi Metropolitan Police Unit will collaborate with local businesses, utilizing modern surveillance technology and artificial intelligence to accelerate investigations into security vulnerabilities.
This special unit, based on global best practices, is set to serve as a model for deployment in other cities nationwide, enhancing overall security.
The Cabinet Secretary also praised the recent working agreement between Nairobi County and the National Government as an exemplary framework for improving intergovernmental relations, supported by the existing Urban Areas and Cities Act.
In a call to action, Murkomen urged political leaders to proactively inform security agencies of their events to bolster safety and mitigate chaos during political rallies.
In light of escalating political tensions ahead of the 2027 General Election, the country has recently experienced unrest, particularly affecting opposition gatherings.
Addressing the disturbances in Kitengela during a political meeting organized by certain ODM members, Murkomen criticized leaders for neglecting to notify local security officials.
He denounced the employment of hired disruptors at political meetings and confirmed that investigations into the unrest during recent events are already underway.
“The government unequivocally condemns the unfortunate incident that disrupted businesses and resulted in a fatality in Kitengela town on Sunday. We urge political leaders to engage with security agencies for their protection,” concluded Murkomen.
