Motorists using the Mercy Njeri–Kabarak Road have been urged by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to exercise patience after a section of the busy route was temporarily diverted to allow for major repairs aimed at addressing recurring road damage.

The diversion affects a 300-metre stretch along Corridor D at Mercy Njeri, where contractors have commenced extensive rehabilitation works to improve the road's condition and enhance safety for road users.

A section of Mercy Njeri - Kabarak route undergoes maintenance on June 17,2026

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

In an Interview, the Corridor D Director Eng. George Amingh and Assistant Resident Engineer (ARE) and the project Eng Peter Kahuki said the repairs are part of an ongoing Maintenance project covering the 27.7 Km of the B17 Road.

"We commenced this project a month ago, with the contractor currently undertaking the works. The section in question is approximately 300 metres long with an additional 200 meters which have been experiencing persistent problems, including potholes, rutting and cracking," said Eng Amingh.

Explaining the challenge being experienced on this section, the engineer noted that the road has significantly exceeded its intended lifespan. Constructed in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the road was designed to serve for approximately 25 years.

"This road has outlived its design life by nearly two decades. Ideally, it should have undergone reconstruction or rehabilitation more than 20 years ago," he explained.

A lorry sprinkles at a section of Mercy Njeri - Kabarak route as it undergoes maintenance on June 17,2026.

Photo credit: PURITY KINUTHIA/ MTAA WANGU

Eng Amingh noted that one of the biggest challenges affecting the road is the nature of the underlying Subgrade layer

"The pavement structure sits on a subgrade layer that contains volcanic ash. This material is highly sensitive to water and absorbs large quantities which directly impacts on the strength. At the same time, it has a very low bearing capacity," he explained.

As a result, the road becomes vulnerable to settlement, rutting and uneven surfaces, especially under heavy traffic loads and eventually pavement failure

"When the volcanic ash absorbs water, the strength of the pavement is compromised, leading to frequent deterioration. That is the problem we are trying to address through these repairs," he added.

The ongoing works involve removing the existing pavement and surface layers before rebuilding the road foundation.

The contractor is now finalizing the improved base layer before proceeding with tarmacking.

"As soon as we complete this section, the equipment will be moved to the next damaged stretch. Preparations are already underway and the works will proceed concurrently to ensure the road remains serviceable," he said.

The repairs are expected to improve traffic flow and reduce the frequent maintenance challenges that have plagued the Mercy Njeri Road for years, providing relief to motorists travelling between Nakuru City and the Kabarak route.

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KeNHA calls for residents' patience as Mercy – Njeri road is closed for repairs

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Purity Kinuthia