Residents of Ndia Constituency in Kirinyaga County are on the verge of reaping significant socio-economic benefits as the 2.9-kilometre Riamugaa–Kiandangae Road nears completion, promising to transform transport, trade and access to essential services.
The road, which links Baricho Junction on the Baricho–Kagio Road to Kiandangae Junction on the Sagana–Kathaka Road, has for years been in poor condition, hindering movement and slowing economic activities in the area.
During rainy seasons, the road would become muddy and nearly impassable, making it difficult for farmers to transport produce to markets. Public service vehicles often avoided the route, forcing residents, school-going children and patients seeking medical services to endure long, costly and sometimes risky journeys.
The project, officially launched on October 1, 2025, by Ndia Member of Parliament George Kariuki, is now seen as a major milestone in addressing long-standing transport challenges in the constituency.
Speaking during the launch, Kariuki described the road as a strategic investment aimed at unlocking the region’s development potential and improving the livelihoods of residents.
“This road is more than just a transport corridor. It is an investment in our people’s future. It will reduce transport costs, improve access to schools and health facilities, enhance the movement of agricultural produce to markets and open up Ndia for more trade and investment,” he said.
Agriculture, the backbone of Ndia’s economy, is expected to benefit greatly from the upgraded road. Farmers who grow bananas, maize, beans and horticultural crops will now be able to transport their produce more efficiently to markets.
The improved road is expected to reduce post-harvest losses, lower transport costs and increase household incomes. In addition, better market access is likely to encourage farmers to expand production and invest in higher-value crops, further strengthening the local economy.
Beyond agriculture, the road is set to improve access to education, healthcare and government services. Emergency response vehicles will reach villages faster, learners will travel more safely to school throughout the year and residents will move more easily to neighbouring trading centres regardless of weather conditions.
`The improved infrastructure is also expected to stimulate economic activity by attracting new businesses and supporting the expansion of existing enterprises. Transport operators, suppliers and small-scale traders are among those likely to benefit from increased movement of goods and people.
Enhanced accessibility is expected to boost customer traffic in local shopping centres while strengthening trade linkages between Ndia and neighbouring regions.
Residents have welcomed the near completion of the project, describing it as a long-awaited solution to persistent transport challenges.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, Kiandangae resident John Wanderi said the road had renewed hope among residents who had struggled with poor infrastructure for many years.
“For a long time, we have suffered because of this road, especially during the rainy season. Farmers could not transport their produce easily and transport costs were very high. We are happy that the project is almost complete because it will make movement easier, improve access to markets and encourage more businesses to invest in our area,” said Wanderi.
He added that the road would also improve safety for school-going children, enhance access to healthcare services and connect residents more efficiently to nearby trading centres throughout the year.
The project has also had a direct impact on livelihoods by creating employment opportunities for local residents during the construction phase.
Charity Kawira, who secured a job on the project, said the opportunity had transformed her life by providing a steady source of income and valuable work experience.
“Before this project, getting a job was difficult. Today, I can earn a living, support my family and meet my daily needs. In addition, I have gained practical construction skills that will help me secure similar jobs in future,” she said.
Mike Muturi, another worker employed on the project, said the initiative had restored hope among many young people in the area who had previously struggled to find employment.
“This project has not only given us jobs but also restored hope to many young people. The wages we earn have enabled us to support our families, pay school fees and meet other household needs. We believe the completed road will attract more businesses and create even more employment opportunities,” said Muturi.
By David Wandeto
