Government rolls out new road infrastructure in Runyenjes, Embu County

The project is replacing difficult murram sections and is expected to ease the movement of people and farm produce along the route.

In Makengi, resident Kennedy Munene says he is encouraged by the progress, although construction is yet to be completed. Munene recalled the difficulties residents faced during rainy seasons, when muddy sections hindered the movement of people and farm produce.

“For a long time, we could not move easily through the mud. Even when farmers had produce ready for market, getting it to the tarmac was a challenge,” he said.

The area produces arrowroots, coffee and macadamia, and Munene said residents expect the completed road to make it easier to move their produce to markets.

He, however, urged the contractor to complete the remaining sections. “The road is progressing, but it has not been completed yet. We want the work finished as promised,” he said.

James Njue Kaaoge said the project marks a significant change for residents who have relied on murram roads for years. “We used to struggle just to reach the tarmac,” Kaaoge said.

He recalled how rainy seasons made the route particularly difficult, with residents sometimes arriving at their destinations covered in mud.

“Many years I have never seen this road being constructed. We are happy because transport will now be easier,” he said.

Eliud Nyagah Njue said residents had been promised the road during successive administrations, beginning with the late President Daniel arap Moi and later during the administration of former President Mwai Kibaki.

“From the time of Daniel arap Moi, we were promised this road. During Mwai Kibaki’s time, we were promised again, but we still did not get it,” Njue said.

He said residents are now encouraged by the construction taking place under the current administration.

Njue recalled the experience of a woman from Kevote who previously struggled through muddy sections to reach Kivwe. He said she can now reach Ngeti and access transport more easily.

He noted that the road would also support farmers by improving the movement of produce from Kevote and surrounding areas to Embu town.

“For us as farmers, this road will help us move our produce from these areas to the market. Vehicles will be able to collect produce from Kevote and other points and take it to Embu town,” he said.

Construction is continuing, with residents waiting for the remaining sections to be completed. For communities along the route, the project marks a long-awaited transition from the murram roads they have relied on for generations.