When the Kajiado–Imaroro–Mashuru–Isara Road was tarmacked in 2020 under the Jubilee administration, it signaled what many hoped would be an economic transformation for residents of four Kajiado sub-counties.
Five years later, however, those hopes have faded. The once-celebrated road now has gaping potholes, loose gravel and swirling dust where the thin tarmac layer has peeled away, leaving motorists frustrated and businesses counting losses.
The 230-kilometre road, stretching across Kajiado South, East, Central and West and connecting to Suswa, was launched in 2017 after intense lobbying by leaders and residents. It was split into three sections, each assigned to a different contractor to speed up completion.
The Imaroro- Mashuru-Isara Road.
Photo credit: Stanley Ngotho | Nation Media Group
The first 70-kilometre stretch from Imaroro–Mashuru–Isara, connecting to the Emali-Loitokitok Highway, fell under the Low Volume Seal (LVS) category managed by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA). The contractor was expected to add a fresh tarmac layer annually but abandoned the project for three years due to non-payment.
Several LVS contractors across the country who spoke to the Nation have blamed the government for failing to pay for completed work.
“If the government does not pay contractors, these LVS roads will end up being a waste of public resources. Most contractors lack the financial muscle to proceed without payment,” an engineer, who did not want to be named due to ties with a contractor, said.
The Imaroro- Mashuru-Isara Road on November 14, 2025, just five years after construction.
Photo credit: Stanley Ngotho | Nation Media Group
In 2024, the Nation obtained a letter showing that the contractor had halted maintenance work due to unpaid debts. On October 13, 2023, Chinese firm Stecol Corporation wrote to KeRRA demanding Sh536.63 million after its contract expired on May 24 the same year.
"Please note we have never been paid a single shilling during the over three years of operation and maintenance of the PBRM contract. This has been an event of default of employer in pursuance of Sub clause 69.1 of contract," read part of the letter written by Stecol Corporation authorised representative Wang Yongjun and officially received by KeRRA on October 13, 2023.
Attempts to reach Stepol Corporation to establish the current status of the debt were futile by the time of going to the press.
From magic road to disappointment
The second 91-kilometre stretch from Imaroro to Kajiado, and another from Isinya to Ngong via Kiserian, were developed under the Annuity (PPP) model, funded partly through the fuel levy. This section is yet to be completed. The 70-kilometre Ngong–Suswa section, also under PPP, stalled before completion.
With the initial completion, new shopping centres sprouted along the road, land prices shot up, PSV vehicles opened new routes and wildlife sanctuaries boosted tourism. Residents had hailed the “magic road” as a lifeline.
Today, that optimism has turned into disappointment.
A spot check by Nation found the Imaroro–Mashuru stretch in a deplorable state, forcing motorists onto dangerous diversions. Several vehicles were grounded with punctures or mechanical failures.
“My vehicle has suffered two simultaneous tyre bursts. I’m stranded with tourists headed to Amboseli. We are losing business,” a local driver said.
Motorist Patrick Karimi on Imaroro- Mashuru-Isara Road after his vehicle broke down on November 14, 2025.
Photo credit: Stanley Ngotho | Nation Media Group
Further along, an overloaded sand truck had broken down mid-road. Locals said road carnage has increased, especially involving private vehicles.
Resident Jeremy Kisioki blamed overloaded sand trucks, many said to be owned by local politicians, for destroying the road. While it was designed for 10-tonne loads, trucks reportedly carry over 20 tonnes while evading mobile weighbridges.
“Some of these trucks are untouchable. We are told they belong to senior individuals in county and national government. They don’t even pay cess,” said Mr Kisioki.
For residents who invested along the road, the decline is devastating.
For instance, Nancy Mwaniki, 56, bought land sitting on the newly tarmacked road in 2021 with plans to put up a business centre and petrol station.
“With the road in this state, I’m considering selling the land. The number of motorists has dropped sharply and land prices have plummeted,” she said.
Kajiado’s KeRRA resident engineer Washington Mugambi confirmed that the road has been reclassified from Class C to B and handed over to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), but outstanding debts have slowed progress.
“KeNHA has better financial muscle. The delays are due to financial constraints,” he said.
On February 28, 2025, President William Ruto, while launching the Illasit–Rombo–Njukini–Taveta Road, promised that the dilapidated Imaroro–Isara section would be retarmacked.
“I have been told the Isara–Imaroro road is in pathetic condition. The Ministry of Roads will fix it,” he assured.
Meanwhile, the second and third stretches from Imaroro–Kajiado and Isinya–Kiserian–Ngong are in fairly good condition, with visible signs of recent maintenance. The Ngong–Suswa road, however, remains incomplete years after construction began in 2018.
