Residents of Baringo who have for years borne the brunt of a poor road network now have a reason to smile after a government move to revive two stalled road projects in the County.
One key road that has stalled for over four years is the 100-kilometer Marigat-Mochongoi-Karandi-Ol Ng’arua-Muhotetu Junction and the Muhotetu Sipili.
With the project having been launched in the year 2018, it stalled in 2022 only a few kilometers into Baringo county.
The poor status of the road has forced residents of Baringo to traverse longer routes through Nakuru and Laikipia Counties, a journey of 214 kilometers to reach the Mochongoi area for a journey that would be as short as 49 kilometres on the road under construction.
On Tuesday, INTEX company Equipment were flagged off at Marigat by President William Ruto during a one-day development tour of Baringo.
President Ruto underscored the importance of the road saying it will enable farmers to transport produce more efficiently, open new markets and boost tourism in lakes Baringo and Bogoria as well as Kerio Valley and other destinations.
Another road launched by the Presedent is the 81-kilometre Kasoiyo-Riwo-Seretunin-Talai-Kasisit-Kipcherere-Kampi Samaki project which had stalled at Seretunin Centre.
The road once complete, will ease the pain of traveling from Saimo-Soi ward in Baringo North to Kabartonjo and Kabarnet Towns for crucial services.
The President also laid the foundation block for the 382-unit Marigat Affordable Housing Project (AHP) which he said will change the fortunes of the emerging Marigat urban area.
He revealed that plans were at an advanced stage for the commissioning of a twin 2000-unit AHP projects in Kabarnet in the coming months.
He urged the governor of Baringo to source for more land to accommodate 5000 units in Kabarnet town which he said together with 1000-capacity Kabarnet University hostels will uplift the town to a city status.
Commenting on Kabarnet Stadium, the President said the government had allocated Sh900 million towards the project which is set to commence in January with the help of Kenya Defence Forces and added it is projected to be completed within six months.
The President also directed the Lands Principal Secretary, Nixon Korir to expedite the process of issuing titles to Mochongoi residents who have been waiting for over 30 years since they were allocated the parcels hived off from the degazetted government forest by the late President Daniel Moi.
Accompanying the President during the Baringo tour were cabinet secretaries Hannah Wendot Cheptumo (Gender), Alice Wahome (Lands), Kipchumba Murkomen (Interior) and Davies Chirchir (Transport) as well as local legislators Charles Kamuren, Joseph Makilap, Joshua Kandie and Reuben Kiborek.
By Christopher Kiprop
