Residents of Rainbow, Agape, Bypass, and other villages in Gatong’ora Ward, Ruiru Sub-County, are set to experience relief as the government plans to rebuild the long-neglected 27-kilometre Rainbow–Juja Farm road. The road, which fell into disrepair shortly after its poorly executed construction under former governor Ferdinand Waititu, will undergo a full reconstruction led by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) in partnership with the Kiambu County Government.
Originally intended as a vital link connecting villages to the Eastern Bypass, the road quickly deteriorated due to substandard work, resulting in large potholes, flooding, and nearly impassable sections, particularly during the rainy season. This has caused significant challenges for locals, including limited access to healthcare, high transportation costs for farm produce and goods, and overall economic stagnation.
The road’s rehabilitation is expected to drive social and economic progress in the region by improving mobility, fostering business growth, and attracting investment to the rapidly developing Juja and Ruiru areas. Upon completion, the road will serve as an alternative route to the Eastern Bypass, easing traffic congestion toward key locations like Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
At a public participation forum, Gatong’ora Ward MCA Dan Gitau shared residents’ optimism about the project, which they hope will end years of hardship. “The County Governor [Kimani Wamatangi] has tirelessly engaged with KeRRA to secure funding for this road. His efforts have paid off, as the road has been gazetted and construction will soon begin,” Gitau stated. He emphasized that the project will not only alleviate residents’ struggles but also open the region to new investments and job opportunities, particularly for youth, by improving accessibility and boosting local businesses.
Gitau stressed the commitment to ensuring the road meets modern standards, with transparency and public oversight to prevent the mistakes of the past. “We will ensure the work is of high quality. We cannot afford another instance where public funds are wasted, and the road deteriorates within months,” he said.
Local resident Virginia Wambui described the project as a blessing, noting the road’s impassability during rainy seasons and the dust clouds during dry periods. “We are finally seeing hope, and our struggles will soon end. This road has hindered our progress and development,” she said. Residents are optimistic that the project will boost land values and transform their economic prospects. They also urged the contractor to prioritize local job opportunities during construction.
