Kilifi: The Kilifi County Government has pledged to transform the county’s rural trading centres into 24-hour economies by constructing cabro-paved roads and installing street lighting.
According to Kenya News Agency, Acting County Secretary Philip Charo announced that the administration had already initiated cabro road projects at various trading centres across the devolved unit. This initiative aims to open up previously underdeveloped hinterlands. Charo made these remarks during the launch of a 400-metre cabro-paved road at Kakoneni Trading Centre in Jilore Ward, Malindi Constituency. He highlighted Marafa, Dabaso, and Watamu Trading Centres as some of the areas already benefitting from the project.
Charo, who also serves as the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) in charge of the Finance and Roads dockets, stated that the county government had resolved, as a matter of policy, that all trading centres with paved roads will also have street lighting. This measure is intended to transform these areas
into 24-hour economies, enhancing business activities and security.
Regarding the Kakoneni cabro road construction, Charo detailed that the administration had completed 200 metres from the Sala Gate/Kakoneni junction to the trading centre in phase one. Phase two is expected to extend the road from the trading centre to Kakoneni Girls Secondary School through the area assistant chief’s office. He expressed optimism that this development would significantly transform the trading centre and its surroundings, noting the appreciation in land prices and improved transportation in areas with cabro roads.
Charo urged local residents to support the project by cooperating with the contractor for smooth implementation and maintaining the road upon completion by avoiding littering and water spillage. Kakoneni residents, including Vincent Konde and Grace Bavu, expressed their gratitude for the project, describing it as a dream come true. They thanked Governor Gideon Mung’aro for advocating for rural development in their
area and requested the contractor to hire local youths for the construction work, addressing dissatisfaction with the previous contractor’s hiring practices.
