Socio- economic benefits and environmental impacts of Thika Road superhighway

Abstract

Road infrastructure is one of the key components of this development. In as much as new roads bring development to previously underdeveloped areas, sometimes this development can cause significant effects on sensitive environments and the lifestyles of the people living near or using the road. The transformation of the road from Nairobi to Thika town into a super highway is one of Kenya‟s first large scale transportation infrastructure projects which albeit its numerous benefits accrued, negative impacts can also be felt. The study aims at improving on the literature on the assessment of developments made in infrastructure in Kenya by investigating the socio-economic and environmental effects of the improvement of the Nairobi – Thika highway. The study finds that development of the road has had various changes to the social, economic and environmental situation of the households and investors/ institutions located along the road. This changes have been mostly positive especially in reference to increased investment opportunities and greater markets but found to be negative in reference to the environment and in specific vegetation and wildlife as most of the areas under study were experiencing unplanned development of small businesses and investments. The researcher recommends the use of environmental impact assessments to be used to a greater extent before the commencement of such projects and monitoring done during the progress of road development projects to reduce loss of wildlife and eco-balance. Policy development is needed for usage of road sections meant for business investments. Further research is also recommended in the regulations pertaining to road development