Government Pledges to Resume Stalled Gataka–Tumaini Road Works in Ongata Rongai

Ongata Rongai, Kajiado County – The government has pledged to restart construction of the Gataka–Tumaini road in Ongata Rongai, following a public outcry over what residents described as a dangerously abandoned project.

State Department for Irrigation Principal Secretary Ephantus Kamotho assured locals that contractors would soon return to backfill trenches and resume roadworks. However, he did not commit to a specific timeline, fueling fresh skepticism from community members who have waited weeks for progress.

Community Outcry Over Safety Risks

The project, launched barely two weeks before it ground to a halt, has left open ditches and excavated holes along a major access road. Residents say the neglected site has turned into a health and safety hazard, with stagnant water creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Medical workers reported that ambulances and wheelchair-bound patients struggle to reach facilities because supply vehicles cannot pass through the muddy, dug-up route. Business owners along the stretch also complained of declining customers, warning that the situation will worsen when rains return.

“It feels like the government started something and then abandoned us midway. Our children are at risk, and even basic services like health care are suffering,” said one local trader.

Lack of Transparency

Local leaders criticized the contractor for failing to put up signage or project information boards, leaving communities in the dark about the scope and expected completion date. They accused authorities of neglecting accountability standards meant to protect the public in government-funded infrastructure projects.

PS Kamotho insisted that the government’s immediate priority is to make the road safe by backfilling excavations before completing the rest of the works. “We are aware of the concerns and will ensure safety measures are implemented first,” he said.

A Road of Strategic Importance

The Gataka–Tumaini road is a vital artery in Ongata Rongai, linking residential estates to schools, hospitals, and businesses. Infrastructure analysts warn that halting construction midway not only erodes public trust but also inflates project costs once work resumes.

“This is a governance issue as much as it is an engineering one,” said a Nairobi-based infrastructure analyst. “Without strong oversight and enforcement of contracts, communities will continue paying the price for abandoned or delayed projects.”

What’s at Stake

The government now faces pressure to prove its commitment to residents by resuming works promptly and ensuring better supervision. For the people of Ongata Rongai, the road is more than an infrastructure project—it is a lifeline that determines access to health, education, and economic opportunity.

Until work resumes, however, locals remain doubtful. “We have heard promises before,” one resident remarked. “This time, we want action, not words.”