The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Residents of Mbeere South sub-county in Embu have expressed appreciation for the national government’s move to upgrade the 30-kilometre Kiritiri–Mariari–Mutuabare road to tarmac, describing it as a long-awaited and transformative project.
For decades, the road—an important transport corridor in the semi-arid area—has been in a dilapidated state, making travel expensive and challenging for locals, traders, and farmers. Its poor condition has limited access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential services.
The road is now being upgraded to bitumen standards by the national government through the Kenya Rural Roads Authority. Residents believe the improvement will greatly enhance connectivity and help unlock the sub-county’s economic potential by making it easier to transport farm produce to markets.
One resident noted that the road will serve as an alternative route to Mwingi in Kitui County, adding that it was often impassable during the rainy season due to mud and extremely dusty during dry periods.
Mbeere South is a key producer of green grams, millet, and mangoes, but farmers have long struggled to move their harvests to Kiritiri town and other markets because of the poor road network. This has resulted in significant post-harvest losses, especially of mangoes, which frequently rot on farms.
The sight of heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, graders, and loaders working along the road has renewed hope among residents. Many said previous governments had repeatedly promised to tarmac the road during election campaigns without delivering.
Launched in November last year, the project is expected to stimulate socio-economic development in a region that has lagged behind for many years. Residents say the tarmacked road will raise property values and improve overall living standards, noting that it is the first paved road in the sub-county.
They also recalled hardships caused by the poor road, including cases of snake bites along the route and women giving birth by the roadside while trying to reach Kiritiri health facilities. Once completed, the tarmac road is expected to lower transport costs and allow residents to access public transport more easily.
Transport operators have welcomed the project, citing reduced vehicle breakdowns and lower maintenance costs. Boda boda riders, in particular, said the rough and slippery terrain had made travel slow and costly, and they expect improved earnings and cheaper fares for passengers once the road is finished.
The project has also created job opportunities for local youth. Civil engineer Elijah Murimi said residents have been engaged as casual labourers, while graduates from technical and vocational institutions are gaining practical experience to enhance their skills.
The road construction is expected to be completed within 30 months. Residents have urged the national government to implement similar infrastructure projects across the county to spur rural development and create more employment opportunities for young people.
