Keekonyokie ward in Narok County is a major food basket for the county, as the area is a suitable ecological zone for maize, potato, cabbage, and carrot production.
Despite this, the farmers have not been enjoying the labour of their hands because of impassable roads that force farmers to dispose of their goods to intermediaries at a cheap price.
The farmers have held demonstrations in the past to push their leaders to prioritize the construction of roads in the area to ease the transportation of their goods.
Therefore, it is a new dawn for the farmers, as the county government has upgraded a 7.8-kilometer stretch from Nairagie Enkare junction to Nairagie Enkare town to bitumen standard.
Speaking during the commissioning of the road, Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu said the road is a mega project that will boost the economy of the people in the area.
“The farmers in this area will easily transport their goods to the market and get value for their money. We will continue maintaining all the feeder roads in this area to ease transportation,” reiterated the governor.
Nominated Member of County Assembly (MCA). Josephine Torome, who hails from the area, encouraged women to form cooperatives that will help them market their produce easily.
“The only easy way to get value for your produce is to form cooperatives, as you will have better bargaining power. Through the cooperatives, you can also do value addition for your goods,” she encouraged.
Ms. Torome encouraged the women’s groups to apply for government funds to start and expand their businesses.
“I want women from this area to lead by example. Take advantage of the funds given by the government to expand your businesses. I believe when women are empowered, the economy will grow,” she said.
Ms. Lucy Nkukuu, a resident of the Nairagie Enkare area, applauded the construction of the road, saying it is a big win for the people as it has eased their movement.
The event was attended by Narok Deputy Governor Tamalinye Koech, Keekonyokie Ward MCA Lemiso Kimiti, and Suswa Ward MCA Kisotu Salaash, among others.
By Ann Salaton
