Environmental advocates push for alternative route to safeguard Aberdare National Park

These groups propose the 32-kilometre Kariamu-Ndunyu Njeru road as an alternative, arguing that it offers a shorter path at the park's edge compared to the proposed 49-kilometre Ihithe-Ndunyu Njeru road, which would cut through the biodiversity hotspot and crucial water sources.

Citing studies, the environmentalists emphasize that the alternative route brings more socio-economic, environmental, and accessibility benefits to a larger population.

Dr. Dominic Walubengo, Chairman of the National Environment Civil Society Alliance of Kenya (NECSA-K), suggests prioritizing the enhancement of the existing Nyeri-Ndaragwa-Nyahururu-Ol Kalou-Miharati-Ndunyu Njeru route to category A status and considering dualization.

He points out that the proposed Mau Mau Road section through Aberdare National Park lacks economic viability due to restricted operating hours within the park. He argues that confining connectivity to daylight hours contradicts the goal of achieving a sustainable 24-hour economy.

“Considering that the road would traverse the park, it would only be accessible during daylight hours, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. As we strive towards a 24-hour economy, confining connectivity to just 12 hours seems counterproductive and contradictory to our goal of achieving a sustainable 24-hour economy and optimal connectivity as a country,” he says.

The Rhino Ark Kenya Charitable Trust Executive Director, Christian Lambrechts, supports the alternative route, emphasizing its non-interference with wildlife and lower cost. He urges the government to consider the route that aligns with environmental, social, and economic benefits.

“Ultimately, it will be far less expensive, Ksh.1.5 billion for the alternative road which has greater socio-economic, environmental, and accessibility benefits for a larger population versus Ksh 4.4 billion for the proposed Mau Mau road,” he explains.

Local community voices, such as Paul Macharia, Vice Chair of Kamukuji Market in Nyeri Town, express a desire for economic development through the proposed road but stress the importance of minimal disturbance to the ecosystem during construction.

The delicate balance between environmental conservation and sustainable development has put road construction in limbo.

An Environmental and Social Impact Assessment report reveals potential destruction of 104 hectares of vegetation, including bamboo, forest, and moorland, if the proposed upgrade proceeds. Additionally, a new study questions the economic value of upgrading the road through Aberdare Forest, suggesting that the alternative route offers greater benefits at a lower cost.

Conservation researchers argue that the proposed Mau Mau road provides limited socio-economic benefits and may not be necessary from an economic perspective. The Aberdare National Park, home to endemic plants and endangered wildlife, serves as a critical water tower supporting Nairobi and Lake Naivasha, making its preservation essential.

The situation underscores the challenge of balancing infrastructure development with environmental conservation. Stakeholders emphasize the need for comprehensive assessments and inclusive decision-making to find solutions that meet both developmental and conservation goals while minimizing negative impacts on the environment.