What You Need To Know About The Controversial Ndunyu-Njeru Road Project Worth Ksh.4.4B
The planned development of the Ndunyu-Njeru-Ihithe road, costing Ksh 4.4 billion and spanning 25 kilometers through the dense Aberdare Forest to link Nyeri and Nyandarua Counties, is among the initiatives the President has pledged to pursue despite disregarding legal protocols.
The project has become a focal point of debate due to worries regarding its significant adverse effects on the natural forests.
In 2009, conservationists took legal action to contest the project, arguing that the planned construction would split the moorlands. These moorlands are home to a significant number of elephants, constituting 10 percent of the country’s elephant population. They expressed concern that allowing the project to proceed could negatively impact this elephant population.
The individuals filing the petition, comprising Rhino Ark Charitable Trust, Nature Kenya, National Environment Civil Society Alliance of Kenya, African Wildlife Foundation, Rhino Ark, Kenya Tourism Federation, and the East Africa Wildlife Society, asserted that the road’s construction would yield limited socio-economic advantages.
On October 27th, 2009, the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) declined project approval, stating concerns about its effects on the forest.
In its letter issued to the Ministry of Roads then, NEMA stated: “The Authority is unable to issue an environmental impact assessment license for the project. You are advised to redesign your plans to explore alternative sites.”
The Kenya Forest Service and Kenya Wildlife Service, responsible for overseeing the area where the project passes, have also expressed opposition to the road’s construction.
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In May of the previous year, President Ruto, present at the burial of Mukami Kimathi, spouse of freedom fighter Dedan Kimathi, in Nyandarua County, answered the numerous requests from the local leaders to recommence the road construction.
“You’ve asked me about the Ndunyu-Njeru road, which passes through Nyeri and cuts through Aberdare forest. Some people have taken us to court over environmental concerns. Senator Methu, I request you to persuade them to drop the case, and I will allocate the necessary funds,” Ruto said.
In 2024, it remains uncertain why the president singled out the Judiciary for criticism regarding the project, especially when various government agencies, including NEMA, responsible for environmental management, oppose it.
The Head of State seemingly ignored the importance of following legal protocols and approved the Principal Secretary at the Ministry of Roads, criticizing the courts for their perceived impunity and their role in delaying government projects.
“The people of Nyandarua want development, ile barabara ya Ndonyo-Njeru-Ihithe mnataka tujenge ama mnataka tungoje maamuzi ya mahakama? Judiciary wanasema tusijenge. Mnataka nijenge? Bwana PS, weka pesa ya hiyo barabara tuanza kujenga. Kwa sababu the judiciary must be answerable and submit itself to the constitution and the people of Kenya,” Ruto said.
Given the President’s new conflict with the third branch of government, 2024 is expected to be marked by tension between the Executive and Judiciary, potentially leading to significant implications.
What You Need To Know About The Controversial Ndunyu-Njeru Road Project Worth Ksh.4.4B
