Last mile road connectivity to link Kenyans to more opportunities, says Ruto

By Peter Ochieng

The government will intensify its focus on the last mile road connectivity to boost access to resources and services, president William Ruto has said.

Addressing residents on Thursday in Boiman, Nyandarua county while launching the tarmacking of the Boiman-Passenga-Silanga-Gachwe-Kwa Mumbi road, president Ruto said more funds will be put in the upgrading of roads, in a move that will also spur trade at the grassroots across the country.

According to a communication from State House, Nairobi, the Head of State said better roads will guarantee farmers, especially of fresh produce, better income which will in turn spur economic growth.

“When we trade more, it means more employment opportunities for our youth,” he stated.

The last mile road connectivity is being driven by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), with a bid to ensure that no part of the country is left behind. “With better roads, Kenyans will easily access resources, crucial services and opportunities.”

The president said other ongoing works in the county include the 55-Kilometre Captain Ndemi – Ndunyu Njeru, 41-Kilometre Engineer – Gathera, 45-Kilometre Maili Kumi – Shameta, 55-Kilometre Shamata – Uruku, 23-Kilometre Gilgil – Machinery and the 28-Kilometre Tumaini -Kabazi roads.

The ones earmarked for rehabilitation, he added, are the 14-Kilometre Nyahururu – Boiman, 14-Kilometre Maili Nne – Maili Kumi and the 8-Kilometre Kirasha – Sulmac roads.

Ruto was accompanied by among others, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport Onesmus Kipchumba Murkomen.

“Expanding the road infrastructure defines the Ruto administration's focus of transforming Kenya,” said Gachagua.

He added that upon completion of construction work, the roads will open up the county and accelerate trade through improved connectivity for Socio-economic growth and development.