Unlocking rural Embu through Kivwe-Kevote road upgrade

In Embu County, Kenya, over 65 young men and women have found employment through the upgrading of the Kivwe-Karingari-Kevote-Nduuri-Kanja-Munyutu-Gorofa road, bringing immediate financial relief to families in the area. The Ksh1.5 billion infrastructure project involves upgrading 27 kilometers of road to bitumen standards, with two 13.5-kilometer sections connecting key farming and trading communities in the Runyenjes and Manyatta constituencies.

Beyond providing direct wages to local youth, the ongoing construction is stimulating the local economy by increasing demand for goods and services at nearby businesses. Fully funded by the Government of Kenya and overseen by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, construction began in April following completion of procurement and legal clearance.

President William Ruto emphasized the government's commitment to expanding road networks, stating that Kenya will build 28,000 kilometers of roads in the next seven years, with resources available beyond political considerations.

Local farmers and transport operators have welcomed the upgrade, highlighting its immediate benefits for smallholder farmers and rural transporters. Tarmacked roads will improve the movement of fresh produce from agricultural hubs like Kevote to commercial centers, addressing long-standing transit delays and ensuring farm yields reach urban consumers without spoilage.

The project is part of the national government's broader Road and Transport Expansion Programme, aiming to tarmack 28,000 kilometers of feeder roads and dual 2,500 kilometers of major highways nationwide.