Residents of Ongata Rongai in Kajiado County have expressed growing concern over a Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) electricity pole that remains standing in the middle of Maasai Lodge–Rimpa Road near the SGR station in Kandisi.
The pole, which is yet to be removed despite ongoing roadworks, has raised fears among motorists and pedestrians about their safety. Many locals have taken to social media to question how the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) and the contractor are proceeding with excavation and tarmacking without first relocating the pole.
“This is dangerous to motorists. KPLC should remove this post near SGR Kandisi to allow proper construction of the Maasai Lodge–Rimpa Road. By the way, how did the contractor excavate the road with posts still on the road?” one resident asked.
The residents are now urging KPLC to urgently move the pole so that the project can be completed safely and on time. The road construction, which began in June this year, is expected to ease traffic congestion in Ongata Rongai and neighbouring areas such as Twala.
According to Principal Secretary for Irrigation, Ephantus Kimani, the project will play a fundamental role in spurring economic growth and improving connectivity in the region. “The construction of the road from Maasai Lodge to Rimpa has officially commenced. This critical infrastructure project is expected to significantly ease congestion and reduce travel time for commuters,” he stated.
The concern over the electricity pole comes just weeks after Rongai residents raised alarm over the stalled construction of Gataka Road near the Tumaini area. The project was abandoned two weeks after excavation, leaving deep trenches and making access to hospitals, businesses, and homes difficult.
“We are calling upon the government to fast-track the construction so that this road can be better. We are even scared of what will happen once the rains intensify,” one resident told the media on August 19.
In response, PS Kimani assured locals that construction would resume soon. “The contractor on the Gataka–Tumaini road and the Maasai Lodge–Rimpa road will resume work. Emphasis is on the contractor of the Gataka–Tumaini road to begin backfilling on the open excavation as other works continue,” he said.
