By Andrew Kariuki
The newly inaugurated Ngong–Suswa Highway has sparked widespread backlash from Kenyans, with many questioning the quality of workmanship and overall condition of the road despite its recent completion.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo had announced the completion of the 70-kilometre tarmac road, describing it as a key infrastructure project that would provide a more direct route from Ngong Town to Suswa and ease travel to Narok, Bomet, Kisii and other parts of western Kenya.
However, images shared following the announcement triggered a wave of criticism from members of the public, who pointed to what they described as poor engineering, narrow sections and incomplete features.
Kenyans took issue with several aspects of the road, including the lack of clear road markings, absence of signage, inadequate lighting and what appeared to be uneven edges and poorly finished shoulders.
Others questioned whether the road meets the standard of a highway, with some describing it as a basic transit road rather than a major transport corridor.
A section of users also highlighted what they termed as irregular or unnecessary structures along the road, including a metal gantry-like installation that appears to cut across an intersection and extend into the acceleration lane.
Social media platforms were flooded with criticism, with many questioning how a newly completed road could lack basic safety features such as centre lines, guardrails and proper drainage systems.
Some users raised concerns about the potential safety risks posed by the current state of the road, warning that the absence of markings and signage could lead to accidents.
Others framed the issue as a broader concern over public spending and accountability, questioning whether the project delivered value for money.
Despite the criticism, PS Omollo had stated that the highway is expected to boost economic activity along the corridor, particularly for farmers and livestock traders in Kajiado County, by improving access to markets in Nairobi and reducing transport costs.
The public reaction, however, underscores growing scrutiny of infrastructure projects, with citizens increasingly demanding higher standards, transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
