The County Government of Kiambu has launched an extensive infrastructure campaign to install high-capacity culverts across the region’s road network, aiming to combat severe flooding and drainage blockages triggered by ongoing torrential rains.
Speaking during an inspection tour of construction sites in Ting’ang’a Ward, Area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Mwaura Napoleon emphasized that these structural interventions are critical for keeping local roads passable and protecting residential properties from water damage.
A significant portion of the drainage challenge stems from historical land use in Kamiti Anmer village. According to Hon. Mwaura, the area suffered extensive unregulated murram harvesting throughout the 1970s, 80s, and 90s.
“Large dugouts were left unfulfilled for decades. When heavy rains hit, these craters transformed into makeshift dams,” Mwaura explained. “Today, these ‘dams’ are overflowing into people’s homes. We are now forced to install massive culverts to redirect this water safely away from residential areas.”
The MCA raised concerns over the deteriorating state of grassroots roads, citing a shift in fiscal policy that has left counties hamstrung. He noted that between 2013 and 2022, the 16% fuel levy was a primary source of funding for county road maintenance. However, this levy has since been redirected to the national government.
“Our roads are in a bad state, and we need civic education to help residents understand the reality,” Mwaura stated. “While the county is capable of maintenance, we lack the funding. Residents have a right to demand better roads from their MCA, but they must also hold their Members of Parliament accountable, as they now control the bulk of those funds.”
Despite these financial hurdles, Mwaura highlighted that the county is utilizing its own-source revenue to procure culverts and clear clogged systems. He called for a return to the “spirit of devolution,” arguing that all development funds should be devolved to bring services directly to the people.
Several key routes are currently undergoing rehabilitation and drainage installation, including Maaini to Kagai Road, Gatende Road, Mugumo Kamiti Road, Riverside Road, PCEA Muorito Road among others.
Beyond infrastructure, the MCA provided updates on several social projects. Phase 1 of a streetlighting project is complete, and a modern market at Ting’ang’a shopping center is 75% finished. Additionally, a Level 3 hospital featuring a specialized newborn unit is slated for completion by July.
However, not all developments have been seamless. Hon. Mwaura expressed frustration over the lack of a polytechnic in Ting’ang’a, despite an allocation dating back to 2008. He noted that while other wards in Kiambu Sub-county enjoy TVET institutions, Ting’ang’a remains sidelined.
“Last year, public participation views on the polytechnic were rejected, which is a major blow to our youth,” he said. In response, the MCA confirmed he has filed an official petition with the Senate to review the matter and ensure the ward finally receives its long-overdue vocational training center.
