The Nakuru County Department of Infrastructure is dedicated to enhancing accessibility and smooth movement of produce from farms to markets through the ongoing upgrades of roads under the Imarisha Barabara Programme.
The County Engineer, Michael Kamau, said infrastructure improvement in all eleven sub-counties can have a profound impact on the agricultural sector, leading to increased productivity, higher income, and an overall improvement in the standard of living for local farmers.
He observed that improvements of roads contribute to the development and sustainability of the agricultural sector, which is the cornerstone of the region’s economy.
Kamau cited the grading of the 1.75-kilometre Mogotio-Kinoyo road in Soin Ward, Rongai Sub-county, which he noted will open up the region and improve accessibility to social amenities within the area.
Speaking to KNA while inspecting the development of the works, the engineer said the programme of grading rural roads is set to be an annual exercise, utilising all equipment simultaneously to finalise a section before moving on to another road, based on a well-planned work schedule.
Furthermore, he said that with the improved roads, especially those traversing farms, trade and commerce are set to flourish, allowing for easier transportation of goods and services, leading to greater business activity and the potential for strong economic growth.
Gideon Rotich, a farmer in Rongai, said market access was the greatest need for farmers since, during the rainy season, all their perishable products, from milk to tomatoes, get stuck in the farms because even the motorbikes cannot manage the muddy roads.
Additionally, he said access to healthcare facilities and services was crucial for the well-being of farmers and their families, as it ensured that they could receive timely medical care when needed.
The engineer also emphasised that the major role of the devolved governments was to improve farmers’ quality of life through infrastructure improvements, such as better housing, sanitation, and clean drinking water, and to make rural areas more attractive places to live and work.
By Veronica Bosibori
