Kenya is set to pour Sh 1.8 billion (approximately $17 million) to improve the road network in Nakuru.
According to a government official, the project will cover 22km of roads in Nakuru town.
It is part of the 10,000km road upgrade by the Jubilee Administration it promised to construct countrywide.
The first road to be upgraded in the town was Siaya Road that connects the town and GK Prison.
The other key road in town that was upgraded is Oginga Odinga Road in the Central Business District (CBD).
The road, which was expanded due to its heavy traffic, is an escape route for motorists heading to Section 58 and Free Area.
At least 15 roads in the town have been refurbished ahead of the town’s elevation to city status.
Most of the roads were made of murram and their upgrade is a big relief to Nakuru residents.
The expansion of the road network has also seen the CBD grow. More traders and investors putting up high rise buildings along the roads.
Property owners are also happy with the revamped road network as the expansion will attract investors.
“I have an apartment in Section 58 but new tenants shied away because my property was situated along a dusty road. With the new road things will change for the better,” said a landlord at Section 58.
The roads network have changed the dilapidated infrastructure in Industrial Area, Section 58, Kaptembwo, London, Milimani Estate, Ngala flat area among others.
“We have done 16km and that translates to about 90 per cent of the total work and what is pending work is on progress,” said John Cheboi Assistant Director Corporate Communications Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) which is supervising the work.
A spot check by Nation revealed that the upmarket Milimani area has taken the lion’s share of the Kura-sponsored projects.
One of the major roads that is set to open up the area is Maragoli Road. It is expected to reduce traffic on Nakuru-Nairobi highway and Solai Road.
“The vehicles heading to Western Kenya from Nairobi and those from Kiti Estate will not need to pass through the CBD as this road will be a faster exit route,” said Mr Cheboi.
The government is working hard to improve road infrastructure as part of improving the economy.