Residents of Tharaka Nithi County are over the moon after President William Ruto’s administration accelerated infrastructure development in the region.
According to them, the ongoing road projects have significantly improved transportation, boosted local trade, and opened up economic opportunities.
Speaking in Chuka Town, Linet Mavitiru said residents have witnessed major progress following recent government interventions, particularly after a visit by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
According to Mavitiru, the road under construction from Chuka towards Kathwana through Kaireni is built to high standards and has already transformed mobility within the area.
“We appreciate the government for bringing development to Tharaka Nithi. The ongoing road construction is being done to proper industry standards,” she said. She noted that several projects in the county, including the road, had previously stalled for years, but construction activities resumed and picked up pace.
Mavitiru explained that the improved road network has drastically reduced transportation costs for residents. Initially, residents relying on motorcycles to travel to Kathwana were forced to pay as much as KSh800 for transport. However, with the upgraded roads, fares have dropped to between KSh50 and KSh100.
“We are now spending far less on transport compared to before. Movement has become easier and more affordable,” she added.
She also commended the road linking Kaanwa to Chuka Technical and Vocational College, saying it has eased transportation challenges that previously affected workers and students at the institution.
Farmers in the region, she said, are among the biggest beneficiaries of the road projects, as transporting produce from farms to markets had previously been difficult and expensive.
“Farmers had challenges taking their goods to the market, but these roads have become a major relief. Traders no longer have to travel long distances because markets are now more accessible,” she said.
Mavitiru further observed that the road projects have created employment opportunities for local residents and improved access to water in some areas. She added that land prices have also risen significantly due to the improved infrastructure.
Speaking at Kaanwa shopping centre where the construction leads to Chuka Technical Institute, Mavitiru noted that “If the contractor maintains the current speed, we believe the road will be completed soon. We hope more development projects will continue because many residents still need better infrastructure,” she said.
She urged the government to ensure all initiated projects are completed, noting that unfinished developments had previously slowed growth in the county.
