Residents along the Kathageri-Kanyuambora road in Embu County are set to benefit from improved connectivity as the road is upgraded to bitumen standard, ending years of difficult and unreliable travel.
The project, Kathageri – Kanyuambora section, runs through Kigumo Centre and terminates at Kanyuambora.
The roads are being upgraded from gravel to bitumen standards under a Government of Kenya-funded programme aimed at opening up rural areas and improving transport infrastructure.
The project serves an agricultural area where residents engage mainly in maize farming, subsistence agriculture, livestock keeping and small-scale businesses around market centres. Once completed, the improved roads are expected to make it easier for farmers to transport produce to markets while improving access to businesses, services and transport.
The project is also creating employment opportunities for local residents. For local worker Dennis Murimi, a Runyenjes resident and Kilimambogo College graduate, the project has provided an opportunity to apply his technical skills while earning a livelihood.
Murimi joined the construction sector through an attachment in 2022 before securing casual employment with the contractor. He said the ongoing works had created opportunities for many young people in the area.
He noted that completing the road would improve transportation for residents, farmers and businesses, including boda boda operators.
The upgraded road is expected to improve the movement of agricultural produce and raw materials while making passenger transport between the centres along the route more efficient.
“For now, work is progressing well. Once the road reaches Kanyuambora, residents will be very happy,” Murimi said.
The project is therefore set to provide more than a better road. By connecting communities, markets and the wider road network, the already finished Kararitiri-Rukuriri and the under construction Kathageri-Kanyuambora links are expected to support trade, employment and stronger economic integration in Runyenjes and surrounding areas.
