By D, KNA
Kagio residents and business owners in Ndia constituency, Kirinyaga County have a reason to smile after construction of major long-awaited feeder roads officially kicked off today.
The celebrated launch was conducted by the area Member of Parliament Hon. George Kariuki after a commitment made by President William Ruto during his recent development tour of the region.
During his visit, President Ruto pledged Sh100 million towards upgrading of Kagio town’s key feeder roads. The roads will be tarmacked to ease transport, improve drainage and sanitation, as well as to give the bustling town a modern facelift.
This development is expected to address long-standing challenges faced by both residents and traders, considering Kagio hosts the largest agricultural market in Kirinyaga County, attracting thousands of farmers, traders, and customers daily.
The project will also help reduce dust during the dry season and mud during the rainy season. This has often hindered customers from accessing businesses and agricultural produce.
Local business people have hailed the project, noting that it will boost trade, attract more investment, and improve the overall economy of Kagio town.
Hon. George Kariuki, who also serves as the Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Transport and Infrastructure, assured residents that the construction works will be supervised by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) to ensure high-quality standards are maintained.
He emphasized that the government is determined to complete all road projects within the stipulated time frames to avoid further delays.
In addition, the MP inspected the ongoing construction of the Kiangwaci–Ndia TVET–Thiguku Road, a key section that had remained incomplete since it was launched by President Ruto in 2023.
He noted that most contractors who had suspended work due to pending payments are now back on site after signing a return-to-work agreement. This follows the government’s clearance of billions in pending bills through funds secured from the Fuel Levy, which has unlocked stalled infrastructure projects nationwide.
“As a committee, we will be moving around the country to inspect ongoing construction works and ensure that taxpayers’ money is utilized effectively. We are committed to delivering value for money and ensuring Kenyans enjoy the fruits of their taxes,” Kariuki said.
The MP also urged fellow leaders to remain focused on service delivery rather than political wrangles, reminding them that Kenyans expect tangible development that can be seen and felt in their daily lives.
Kagio Residents led by Tabby Kinyua Mungera, could not hide their excitement as they explained how the poor state of the road has been a nightmare, particularly during the rainy season due mud and stagnant water that cut off access to shops, schools, and residential areas.
Traders said that customers often avoid the town during such times, resulting in heavy losses for businesses.
Other elated residents added that the roads will not only improve business but also enhance security, due to better roads and lighting thus reduce crime, especially for traders who operate late into the evening or very early in the morning.
The Sh100 million Kagio road project is among the government’s broader agenda of investing in rural and urban infrastructure to spur economic growth, improve connectivity, and uplift livelihoods.
For Kagio town, this marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that promises improved business, better living conditions, and renewed hope for thousands of residents.