The three-year project, which is officially scheduled to start this month, is expected to significantly upgrade a key transport corridor linking Kiambu and Nyandarua counties, according to KeNHA.
The rehabilitation and improvement of the 67.7-kilometre road are scheduled for completion after 36 months.
‘The project is located in Kiambu and Nyandarua counties. The project starts at Magumu town, takes an easterly direction through Kirasha, Kieni Forest, Gakoe, Ndiko, Kanyoni, Kanjuku, Kamwangi, Nyamathumbi, Karure, Igegania, Mang’u, and Gatukuyu centres, and terminates at Thika (A2 junction),’ KeNHA said in the tender document.
The award marks a strong return to State-funded infrastructure projects for H Young, a local firm founded in 1951 before independence. In recent years, many local contractors have been edged out of large road projects by the dominance of Chinese firms.
H Young, which has operated under every administration since that of Jomo Kenyatta, has remained active while several older construction companies have fallen away amid intense competition from Chinese contractors and newer entrants.
Disclosures published by the Public Procurement Authority also show that the other director of H Young is Robert Mwangi Ndung’u.
Starting on April 27, 2023, the firm was also awarded a tender to construct three pedestrian overpasses along the Athi River-Museum Hill-James Gichuru Junction (A8) Road, according to procurement disclosures.
Among other notable contracts won by H Young is a one-year tender for the connection of additional wells to the Menengai 105 MW Steam Gathering System (EPC) at a cost of Sh1,366,598,074.08. That project began on April 25 last year.
The company is also reconstructing the Mamboleo-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Road to bitumen standard. Works on that project were scheduled to start on May 12, 2021, and end on July 11 this year.
In addition, H Young holds a Sh1.04 billion contract to upgrade roads at the Meru County headquarters.
For a construction firm once accustomed to winning mega contracts, the Thika-Magumu Road project signals a return to big-ticket assignments.
All construction activities will take place within the existing road reserve and other areas designated under the contract, meaning no new land acquisition is required.
Road works
Before major works begin, the contractor will set up resident engineer offices, laboratories and staff housing to support supervision and quality control.
Temporary deviation roads will be constructed and maintained to keep traffic flowing during the construction period.
The main works involve site clearance and removal of topsoil, followed by extensive earthworks to reshape the road to a Type I pavement standard suitable for heavy traffic.
On the first 6.8 kilometres from Magumu, works include laying regulation layers, lime-improved gravel sub-base, cement-gravel base layers and an asphalt binder course.
On the next stretch of about 31 kilometres, the road will be widened by filling and benching the shoulders to achieve the required width. The existing pavement will be milled and replaced with cement- and lime-stabilised gravel layers across the full width.
On a short section of just over two kilometres, construction will be carried out on one side of the road at a time to allow traffic to continue using the other side.
Across the entire road-from Magumu to Thika-a surface dressing layer will be applied as the final wearing course, covering the main carriageway, bus bays, junctions and access roads.
Drainage and safety works form a major component of the project. Old and defective culverts will be removed and replaced, while new cross and access culverts will be constructed where required.
Concrete outfall channels will be installed to improve water flow and protect the road structure. Road signs, markings and flex-beam guardrails will be added, particularly in high-fill sections and near road approaches.
The project also includes junction improvements, protection of existing utility services, landscaping and environmental works. These will involve planting grass on embankments, trees and flowering bushes, as well as stone pitching and gabions where necessary.
Throughout construction, the existing road will be regularly maintained to ensure safe passage of traffic, with diversion routes provided where required under regulations.
After completion, the contractor will remain responsible for the road during a 24-month Defects Liability Period, during which any defects must be corrected at no additional cost.
Once finished, the upgraded Thika-Magumu Road is expected to provide a smoother, safer and more durable route for road users across the two counties.