• Residents of Longonot town, Maai-mahiu ward, Nakuru county have reason to smile as highly anticipated truck parking project reaches fruition. 
  • The project was initially proposed under a PPP (Public Private Patnership) plan in 2021 which stalled because of a power shift in government.
  • The County government of Nakuru has now taken on the project, as part of the development promises made to residents during the 2022 campaigns. 

Residents of Longonot town, Maai-mahiu ward, Nakuru county have reason to smile as highly anticipated truck parking project reaches fruition. 

The project was initially proposed under a PPP (Public Private Patnership) plan in 2021 as part of the expansion and revitalization of both the A8 (Rironi -Mau-Summit) and A8 South (Rironi-Maai-mahiu-Naivasha) routes.

Initially set to begin in October 2021, the project stalled due to a change of command from the Uhuru government to Kenya Kwanza, with the new government saying it was too expensive to execute. The stalling of the project led to a fallout between the government and the three French companies contracted to undertake the construction.

The County government of Nakuru has now taken on the project, as part of the development promises made to residents during the 2022 campaigns. The project is set to improve the town’s role as a popular trucking stop for cargo vehicles heading to Uganda and back.

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Construction at Longonot Town Centre in its initial stages. PHOTO | COURTESY: Patrick Kimani

The project, which is under the direct supervision of Maai-mahiu MCA, Eliud Kamau Chege, is also set to reduce the dust problem experienced in the town when the rains cease.

Construction reaches compacting stage at Longonot Town Centre. PHOTO | COURTESY: Patrick Kimani

Residents say the move will not only fix the face of their town, but also bring the bacon home, by opening it up to business. The undertaking is a replica of Maai-mahiu town’s truck park that not only serves drivers but also retailers. Longonot will be the second town in the ward to receive this upgrade.

“I laud the county government for the project, they have outdone themselves, it is really a great move,” Longonot Chief, Kimani Njuguna said.

The development comes amid a smooth shift to suburbia being experienced in the town, with garbage collection and street lighting initiaves taking precedence.