Kirinyaga: The Kirinyaga county government has accelerated its road rehabilitation programme to facilitate faster access to markets and lower transport costs for farmers. The county has completed grading of more than 150 kilometers of road and murramed an additional 135 kilometers, with works ongoing across the 20 wards.
According to Kenya News Agency, from quicker delivery of farm produce to improved access to maternity and emergency care, the upgraded road network is reshaping livelihoods and driving economic activity across rural wards. County Governor Anne Waiguru noted that the programme builds on sustained investment in rural infrastructure, highlighting the work done under the Nyorosha Barabara Mashinani initiative and the Kenya Roads Board (KRB) programme which are designed to assist farmers.
Governor Waiguru emphasized that good roads reduce transport expenses, improve hospital access, enable faster emergency response, and ultimately lead to better incomes, increased production, higher savings, and improved livelihoods. She stated that the improved road network is helping unlock economic opportunities, reduce inequality between rural and urban areas, and strengthen the county’s agricultural backbone.
During an inspection of ongoing works in Kariti Ward, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Transport, Public Works and Housing Jared Migwi mentioned that the Nyorosha Barabara programme is being implemented across all wards, in cooperation with the respective Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to prioritize roads with the greatest community impact. Migwi disclosed that the department aims to achieve 300 kilometers of murramed roads and over 700 kilometers of graded roads by the end of the financial year.
Residents of Murinduko Ward are already experiencing the benefits of the rehabilitated 1.2-kilometer Wamugi Road, which connects Mahigaini to South Ngariama. Samson Karani, a tuk-tuk operator, expressed that the road work has significantly reduced travel time and operating costs. He shared that his journey, previously lengthened and made costly by detours and road conditions, is now shorter and more affordable, allowing him to offer lower charges to his customers.
John Muchira, Wamugi area chairman, remarked that the road’s previous condition posed safety and health risks, leading to frequent motorcycle accidents and difficulties in transporting sick residents. He highlighted that access to maternity services has improved, eliminating cases of women giving birth along the road.
Local businesses have also seen a revival in confidence and customer traffic. Elizabeth Mwangi, a hotel operator in Wamugi, recounted how the road’s prior state deterred customers but noted that improvements have made her business more accessible.
Farmers like Charles Warui from Ng’othi have reported reduced post-harvest losses and enhanced security, now able to transport produce to markets such as Kagio more easily due to better drainage and road conditions.
