The Government is implementing a major road development programme targeting more than 350 kilometres of roads in Kericho County at an estimated cost of Sh20 billion, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has said.

Chirchir said the investment was aimed at improving connectivity, easing the movement of people and goods, and enhancing access to markets, particularly for farmers and traders who depend on reliable transport networks to sustain their livelihoods.

Speaking to residents at Makutano in Londiani Sub-County during a demonstrative tree-planting exercise to mark Mazingira Day, the Cabinet Secretary said the projects formed part of the Government’s broader infrastructure development agenda intended to address transport challenges and stimulate economic growth.

He emphasised that improved roads would enable farmers to transport agricultural produce more efficiently, reduce difficulties associated with poor transport networks and strengthen links between rural communities, markets and commercial centres.

“We need to deliver those programmes so that our people can access markets, our goods can access markets and our people can move easily,” Chirchir said.

He cited the Makutano–Londiani road as an example of an ongoing project whose progress was visible to residents, urging Kenyans to assess development programmes based on their implementation and the benefits they deliver to communities.

The CS said the Government was undertaking road works covering more than 12,000 kilometres nationally, underscoring the importance attached to infrastructure development in improving connectivity and supporting economic activities across the country.

He called on contractors to work closely with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that the projects were completed on schedule.

Chirchir noted that cooperation among contractors, government departments and local stakeholders was essential to maintaining progress and ensuring that the intended benefits of public investment reached residents.

He said the success of the road programme would ultimately be measured by its impact on people’s daily lives, including easier access to markets, improved transportation of goods and more convenient journeys between settlements and service centres.

Reliable roads, he added, would help farmers move their produce to buyers, enable traders to transport merchandise and improve access to essential services for communities across the county.

The Cabinet Secretary linked infrastructure development to the Government’s wider efforts to improve livelihoods, saying investments in transport complemented other development programmes, particularly those targeting water supply, irrigation and food security.

He observed that access to water remained a major government priority because of its importance in supporting agricultural production and improving household food security.

Chirchir said investment in irrigation would help communities increase food production and reduce vulnerability to shortages, noting that leaders had a responsibility to ensure that Kenyans could meet their basic needs.

He called for continued efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity through programmes that support farmers and improve access to essential resources.

The CS also urged residents of Londiani, which he described as a cosmopolitan constituency, to maintain peaceful coexistence and work together towards shared development goals.

He said harmonious relations among communities were essential for creating a stable environment in which infrastructure projects and other government programmes could be implemented successfully.

Chirchir further challenged Kenyans to evaluate government programmes by examining the work undertaken and the results achieved, saying public office was a responsibility entrusted to leaders by the electorate.

He noted that leaders were expected to serve citizens and fulfil their development commitments, adding that the successful implementation of projects was critical to improving public confidence in government initiatives.

On environmental conservation, the Cabinet Secretary pledged to follow up on a tree-planting exercise involving 300,000 trees, saying he would consult a Cabinet colleague to agree on a date for returning to complete the activity.

He reaffirmed the importance of environmental protection, noting that tree-growing initiatives formed part of broader efforts to conserve natural resources and address the effects of climate change.

The Mazingira Day event brought together national and county government officials, security agencies, conservation representatives and local leaders, highlighting the connection between infrastructure development, environmental protection and community livelihoods.

Those present included Kipkelion East Member of Parliament Joseph Cherorot, Kericho County Commissioner Omari Ali, Kericho County Conservator of Forests James Kwambai, Kenya Wildlife Service officials, representatives of the Kericho County Government, national government administrators and other stakeholders.

The gathering provided an opportunity for residents to hear about ongoing development initiatives while participating in environmental conservation activities.

Chirchir said continued collaboration between government agencies, contractors and communities would be important in ensuring that the planned road projects were completed and delivered their intended benefits.

by Gilbert Mutai