Residents of Irunduni Market in Tharaka Nithi County are beginning to experience relief and renewed optimism following the ongoing tarmacking of the Miomponi-Mukothima-Gatunga road, a key infrastructure project being implemented by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority.
The road, which has long been in poor condition, is now being upgraded to bitumen standards, significantly improving mobility and connectivity in the region.
Esther Gatheri Nyangah, a trader at Irunduni Market, says the transformation is long overdue. “I work here at Irunduni Market. I am happy to see the ongoing tarmacking of the road because we have suffered a lot because of the poor state of this road. It was very dusty but now it is being tarmacked,” she said.
She noted that the road was previously impassable during rainy seasons, making travel to nearby areas such as Mukothima extremely difficult. “This road was bad and impassable especially during rainy seasons. It was very difficult going to Mukothima but movement is now better.
Travelling has been made easy with the ongoing road project,” she added.
Also Read: Locals Hail Upgrading of Key Road Projects in Tharaka Nithi County
Nyangah expressed hope that the development will translate into lasting economic benefits for local residents, particularly small-scale traders and farmers. “I am 60 years old but this is the first time I am seeing a tarmacked road in our area. This road will improve life here because of better connectivity.”
According to local youth leader Muthuri Naman, the road will have a far-reaching economic impact, particularly for farmers. “This road is going to have a big impact in the lives of people here because many people here are farmers and they normally struggle to get their produce to the market, but once the road is completed, they will access the markets easily,” he explained.
Also Read: List of Areas in Kenya Experiencing Rapid Rural Road Expansion
He added that the improved road network will also support the growth of local businesses and institutions noting that, “Once the road is completed, businesses will expand because again we also have Tharaka University not far from here. This road will improve access to the university as well,” he said.
Naman further highlighted the employment opportunities already created by the project. “We are also happy because this road project has expanded job opportunities for the youth because many youth have been hired by the contractor,” he noted.
According to project reports, the 30-kilometre road upgrade is already ahead of schedule, with significant sections completed, and is expected to open up the region by improving access to markets, schools, and essential services while boosting local economic activity.
