In the spirit of completing all pending projects in the country, the construction of road networks that join Kerugoya town and its environs has kicked off.
The national government through Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) project which had stalled has special significance to thousands of local residents in Kerugoya who normally carry their farm products to the markets, value addition centers and cooperatives.
The upgrading of all Kirinyaga town roads is expected to cost a total of over Sh 800 million.
Key amongst the facilities which will benefit is Inoi Coffee factory which serves over 100 farmers and was not connected by tarmac road.
The area Member of County Assembly (MCA) Eric Muchina thanked the national government for keeping its promises that it had promised earlier to continue with previous projects
“First of all, I express my gratitude to the government of our able president William Ruto and his deputy Rigathi Gachagua for keeping their promises to continue with previous projects before starting new ones. The construction of this road is a great start that gives the residents hope on development of the area,” Muchina said.
A farmer at Kaitheri village Mr Patrick Mithamo said farmers were hopeful about the project because of the multiple benefits. He pointed out that apart from creating employment opportunities for the youth, the project would also provide access to schools.
“We have education centers here like Effort Junior School, Kaitheri primary and school for the deaf. Once the road is done, we will be able to access the schools without difficulty and also for farmers it will be much easier to take farm products to various markets and the factory,” Mithamo said.
Wambugu Karingo, Ward manager Kerugoya ward, spoke of the need to fast-track construction works stating that the road was the key to unlock the economic potential in the local farmers and Kirinyaga County as whole.
“These will serve farmers and boost the economic fortunes of this region. The contractor needs to be fast so that other works can run swiftly without any interruption,” Karingo said.
The delays had spawned a number of challenges especially during heavy rains that have made accessibility to various parts of town impossible. KURA says it is closely following the contractor to make sure he keeps his word of completing the projects in time.
By Ondu Dorcas
