Long-Underserved Areas Get Tarmac as Baringo-Nakuru Road Project Advances [Photos]

Long-underserved areas in Baringo and Nakuru counties are set to benefit from improved connectivity as the upgrading of the Kamkunji–Kisanana-Kipkitur-Mugurin-Lake Bogoria-Mogotio Loop Road continues.

In a statement on Monday, September 7, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the 78-kilometre corridor is expected to improve the movement of people and goods between the two counties.

"Road infrastructure is a critical enabler of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), particularly in previously underserved regions where poor connectivity has constrained trade, investment and access to markets," he wrote.

Omollo said the project, being implemented by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), is progressing across several sections, with significant work already completed on the Mogotio–Lake Bogoria stretch.

"Implemented by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), the project is progressing along multiple sections.

"The 38-kilometre Mogotio–Lake Bogoria stretch is under upgrade, with 30 kilometres already completed, while works are also ongoing along the Mogotio–Kisanana–Kamkunji section," he added.

Omollo stated once completed, the upgraded road is expected to improve access to markets for communities in the surrounding areas by making it easier to transport agricultural produce and livestock while reducing travel times.

"The improved corridor will ease the movement of farm produce and livestock, shorten travel times and connect communities to wider markets," he further said.

According to Omollo, the road is also expected to boost tourism by improving access to attractions around Lake Bogoria, including the area’s hot springs and flamingo habitat.

"It will also strengthen access to the Lake Bogoria tourism circuit, including its hot springs and renowned flamingo habitat, creating new opportunities for businesses and local livelihoods," he concluded.

Elsewhere, Bomet Town is undergoing a major road infrastructure upgrade as the government steps up efforts to modernise urban centres and improve infrastructure supporting local economic activities.

In a statement on Wednesday, September 2, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the ongoing works involve upgrading several roads in the town to bitumen standards.

"As the town grows, it is not being left behind in the Government's commitment to modernise urban centres and strengthen the infrastructure that supports local economies," he wrote. 

According to Omollo, the project, overseen by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), covers 10 kilometres of key urban roads.

"Overseen by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), the project targets 10 kilometres of critical urban roads, with works including earthworks, drainage systems and pedestrian walkways," he added.

Omollo said the Bomet Town works are also part of a larger road development programme being implemented across the county, targeting hundreds of kilometres of rural and urban roads.

"It forms part of a wider programme to pave more than 500 kilometres of rural and urban roads across Bomet County," he further said.

Omollo said the upgraded roads are expected to strengthen links between residential neighbourhoods, commercial areas and public facilities, while also improving access to Bomet University and supporting agricultural trade within the county.

"The upgraded network will improve connectivity between residential areas, business centres, essential public amenities and the newly chartered Bomet University, while easing the movement of agricultural traders to the upcoming Mulot and Kapkwen modern ESP markets," he concluded.