The ongoing upgrading of roads from murram to bitumen standard in Nandi County is expected to transform transport, open up rural areas, and stimulate economic activities.

Among the roads being done under the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) programme are the Namgoi-Chebarar and Lessos-Kesses roads, which are expected to provide more reliable transport links for residents and businesses along the routes.

Emgwen MP Josses Lelmengit said the upgrading of the roads would have a far-reaching impact on the social and economic well-being of residents by easing the movement of people and goods.

Lelmengit said the Namgoi-Chebarar and Lessos-Kesses roads were important links serving communities, farmers, traders, and other economic players, noting that their improvement would reduce the challenges associated with travelling on murram roads, particularly during rainy seasons.

He said better roads would enable farmers to transport agricultural produce to markets more efficiently while reducing vehicle operating costs and the time taken to access essential services.

“The upgrading of these roads will spur socioeconomic activities because people will be able to move their goods and services more easily. Farmers will have better access to markets, while traders and other businesses will benefit from improved connectivity,” Lelmengit said.

He added that improved roads would complement investments in agriculture, education, health, and other sectors by making it easier for residents to access public facilities.

The MP said the projects should be implemented according to the required engineering specifications to ensure that the county gets durable infrastructure capable of serving residents for many years.

The road improvements are particularly significant for Nandi, where agriculture remains a major economic activity.

Farmers depend heavily on rural roads to transport milk, coffee, maize, vegetables, tea, and other farm produce from production areas to collection centers, markets, and processing facilities.

Residents along the affected routes are also expected to benefit from easier access to schools, hospitals, markets, and administrative centers. Public transport operators could experience shorter travelling times and lower maintenance costs once the roads are completed.

Lelmengit said improved infrastructure would also contribute to opening up areas that have remained difficult to access, creating opportunities for commercial development and strengthening links between communities.

He urged contractors and implementing agencies to maintain high standards throughout the construction process, saying the quality of roads would determine the extent to which residents benefit from the investment.

The MP also called for close monitoring of the projects by relevant government agencies and local communities to ensure that construction progresses according to approved designs and timelines.

He said the upgrading of the roads would create an enabling environment for investment by making movement of raw materials, agricultural produce, and finished goods easier and more affordable.

According to the MP, improved roads would also enhance access to markets outside the immediate localities, allowing farmers and traders to explore wider markets for their products.

The upgrading programme is expected to complement other infrastructure investments across the county, where residents have continued to call for improved road networks to facilitate economic development.

Lelmengit said good roads were an important component of development because they connect communities to opportunities and make it possible for people to access essential services without enduring the difficulties associated with poor road conditions.

He said the government should continue prioritizing the upgrading of key rural roads, particularly those connecting productive agricultural areas with major markets and urban centers.

The MP said the benefits of the roads would extend beyond transport, noting that improved connectivity would contribute to growth in trade, agriculture, education, and other socioeconomic activities.

Residents are expected to benefit from reduced travel times and improved movement of farm produce once the projects are completed.

The upgrading of the roads is consequently being viewed as an important step towards improving rural connectivity and unlocking the economic potential of communities in Nandi County.

The legislator said sustained investment in road infrastructure would help create a more conducive environment for businesses, farmers, and other residents to participate effectively in the local economy.

By Sammy Mwibanda