Residents of Chepseon Ward in Kipkelion East Sub-county are set to benefit from improved transport and easier access to markets following the official opening of the Chebitet Forest–Silibwet Village and the commissioning of the Koibarak–Lamayat–Chebitet County roads by Kericho Governor Dr. Erick Mutai.
The Governor, accompanied by senior county government officials including the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Roads and Transport, Charles Birech, presided over the development tour in Kiletien where he reiterated the county administration’s commitment to expanding road infrastructure as a key pillar of economic transformation.
Speaking during the event, Birech said the projects reflect the county government’s deliberate focus on improving rural accessibility and stimulating local economic growth.
“Improving rural connectivity remains central to our development agenda. These roads are opening up our villages for trade, improving access to essential services and creating opportunities for economic advancement for our people,” he said.
The Chebitet Forest–Silibwet Village Road, now officially opened to the public, is expected to significantly ease movement for residents, tea farmers and small-scale traders who have for years grappled with poor road conditions, especially during rainy seasons.
The Koibarak–Lamayat–Chebitet road, also commissioned during the visit, will enhance linkage between interior villages and major transport routes, reducing travel time and transport costs for agricultural produce.
Governor Mutai said his administration remains focused on equitable development across all wards, noting that road infrastructure is among the county’s highest priorities because of its direct impact on livelihoods.
“Accessible roads mean farmers can transport produce to markets efficiently, children can reach school safely and residents can access health facilities without difficulty. This is how we build stronger local economies,” he said.
Chepseon Ward residents welcomed the projects, describing them as transformative for the largely agricultural area where tea farming and dairy production are major economic activities.
The projects are aligned with the county’s 2026/2027 Annual Development Plan, which emphasizes rural road expansion as a strategy for accelerating agricultural productivity, enhancing trade and promoting inclusive socio-economic development across Kericho.
The commissioning in Kiletien was part of an ongoing ward development tour by the county leadership to inspect completed projects and engage residents on priority development needs.
Recent county briefings have highlighted Chepseon Ward as one of the focus areas for accelerated infrastructure investment in Kipkelion East.
Local leaders said poor road networks had previously hindered movement of farm produce, resulting in delays and losses, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
The newly commissioned roads form part of Kericho County’s broader roads improvement programme under the Department of Roads, Public Works and Transport, which has prioritised road opening, grading, gravelling and culvert installation across all six sub-counties.
County development records show Chepseon Ward has been earmarked for several infrastructure upgrades aimed at improving access and opening up new growth corridors.
by Kipngeno Korir
