Kerio Valley Road works resume after security operation stabilises county

The project, which forms part of the wider B15 road network linking Kapsoar to Eldoret and extending through Tot to Kopasi, is being upgraded to asphalt standards under multiple lots aimed at opening up remote parts of Elgeyo Marakwet County and beyond.

Engineer Solomon Njeru, the engineering surveyor in charge of the works, says the project had faced serious disruption before security operations made it possible to resume.

He explained that the works are divided into three sections, with the current focus on Lot Two stretching from Tot to Kopasi, forming a critical link in the wider regional network.

According to the engineer, the resumption of work has been made possible by improved security conditions that have allowed both workers and communities to return to normal activity.

“This road is a game-changer because when we came here, you could not even stand here. Even the locals and even those cows that you are seeing could not be herded here because of insecurity,” he said.

He noted that at one point, construction had to be completely halted due to rising insecurity, forcing contractors to abandon the site. 

However, the situation has since improved significantly. “Right now, as a person who came here when there was a lot of insecurity, I would say it has made all the difference. Since they took over and subdued the bandits, we have never gotten even a single incident,” Njeru added.

The improved security environment, largely attributed to Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU), has not only allowed construction to resume but also restored confidence among residents and workers.

Launched in February 2023, OMU brings together the National Police Service, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), National Intelligence Service, national government administrators and local leaders in a coordinated effort to restore peace in bandit-prone regions.

In April last year, Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the operation had recorded notable progress, including the reopening of schools and resumption of business activities in areas that had previously been affected.

“Operation Maliza Uhalifu (OMU) has registered significant progress with schools that had been closed in Kerio Valley reopening and business activities resuming,” he said.

He further announced reforms aimed at strengthening local security structures, including vetting and training of National Police Reservists.

“To ensure that the National Police Reservists contribute more to security, we have begun a nationwide vetting and training of NPRs to ensure only the disciplined ones serve,” Murkomen said.

He added that reforms also include improved welfare for reservists, clearer command structures, and enhanced support systems, including medical cover and stipends, as part of broader efforts to stabilise the region.

With security now restored, road construction along the corridor has picked up pace, signalling a new phase of development in an area that had previously been inaccessible.

Engineer Njeru says the resumption of works is already yielding visible progress, with improved movement, active construction sites and renewed engagement between communities and development actors.