Mutula Demands Inclusive Planning in Usahihi Express Road Project

By Andrew Mbuva 

Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr. has warned against the exclusion of key towns and markets in the planned dualling of the Mombasa Road, saying the project must prioritize local businesses and communities along its stretch.

Speaking in Machinery, Thange Ward, on Wednesday during the funeral of Elizabeth Wambua, a respected community leader, Governor Mutula said the new highway project, dubbed Usahihi Express Way, must not repeat the mistakes of past infrastructure developments that left towns in Makueni sidelined.

“There is a plan to dual this Mombasa road, but we don’t want a repeat of what happened to towns like Machinery. If residents had been consulted then, I’m sure this town would not have been left out,” the governor said.

Mutula revealed he had declined to meet the project contractor at his office in Wote, insisting instead that consultations be held directly with the people and business communities from Mtito Andei, Kibwezi, Kambu, to Malili. He emphasized that the road should serve as an economic lifeline, not a bypass.

“Mombasa Road is not just a road but a trade investment for Makueni. If these towns are excluded, businesses will collapse, jobs will be lost, and insecurity will rise,” he noted.

The governor cited the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) as a cautionary tale, saying markets like Kalembwani, Kiu, and Kima suffered a slow death after being cut off by the project. “Before, traders came all the way from Gikomba to supply mitumba and vegetables, but that has since died. We cannot allow this to happen again,” he said.

To avert similar challenges, Mutula has directed the county’s Department of Trade to work closely with the contractor to ensure towns and markets are properly linked to the new expressway. 

He also vowed to resist any attempts to divert the road towards the Kajiado side, stressing the importance of meaningful public participation in the project.

At the funeral, Governor Mutula paid tribute to the late Elizabeth Wambua, describing her as a selfless leader who was committed to development and community welfare. 

He assured residents that his administration will fast-track the issuance of title deeds for Machinery town traders and resolve the long-standing land title crisis at Ngai Ndethya settlement scheme.

The event was attended by Senator Daniel Maanzo, Thange Ward MCA Eric Katumo, and hundreds of mourners who gathered to honor Elizabeth’s legacy.