Kirinyaga County accelerates road upgrades to boost farming, reduce transport costs

The Kirinyaga County Government has accelerated its road rehabilitation programme to improve market access, reduce transport costs for farmers, and enhance connectivity to essential services.

In the past six months, the county has graded over 150 kilometres of road and murrammed an additional 135 kilometres, with works ongoing across all 20 wards. The upgrades have improved access to trading centres, healthcare, and schools, while facilitating faster delivery of farm produce.

Governor Anne Waiguru said the programme builds on sustained rural infrastructure investment. “Over the last eight years, Kirinyaga has murramed more than 4,300 kilometres of roads. We aim to reach 5,000 kilometres by the end of this financial year,” she noted.

The rehabilitation is carried out under the county’s in-house Nyorosha Barabara Mashinani initiative and the Kenya Roads Board (KRB) programme. Waiguru emphasised that the works aim to lower production costs, increase incomes, and improve access to social services.

“Good roads reduce transport expenses, improve access to hospitals, enable faster emergency response, and ultimately translate into better incomes, higher production, and improved livelihoods,” the Governor said.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Transport, Public Works and Housing Jared Migwi said the programme is implemented in collaboration with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs), who help prioritise roads based on community and economic impact. The department targets 300 kilometres of murramed roads and over 700 kilometres of graded roads by year-end.

In Murinduko Ward, the 1.2-kilometre Wamugi Road connecting Mahigaini to South Ngariama has cut travel time and operating costs. Tuk-tuk operator Samson Karani said the journey, previously costing Sh 500, now takes a shorter route costing Sh 300.

John Muchira, Wamugi area chairman, highlighted improved safety and easier access to healthcare. “Before, patients had to be carried shoulder-high to the hospital. Now, access to maternity services is safe, and accidents have reduced,” he said.

Local businesses have also benefited. Hotel operator Elizabeth Mwangi said the previous muddy and rugged road deterred customers. “The improved road has restored customer confidence and boosted traffic to my business,” she said.

Similar gains have been reported in Mutithi Ward, following the upgrade of the 2.5-kilometre Kiamathigira Road linking Rukanga to Ng’othi. Farmer Charles Warui said the road’s improved drainage has reduced post-harvest losses and enhanced security. Esther Wanjiku, a resident, added that families can now access markets and hospitals more efficiently.

Migwi credited Governor Waiguru’s leadership for mobilising machinery and resources that have accelerated delivery. “By the end of this financial year, Kirinyaga County will have achieved more than 5,000 kilometres of well-murramed roads, supporting farming, industrialisation, and improved service delivery,” he said.