Newly tarmacked Kirinyaga road promises better returns for farmers

Horticulture farmers in Mwea East and Mbeere South subcounties are set to earn better value for their produce after the completion of the South Ngariama–Kiumbu–Ngurubani road.

The newly tarmacked road has significantly improved transport links, easing the ferrying of produce from the farms to the market.

It opens up highly productive agricultural areas such as Kiumbu, South Ngariama, Yonda and Gacuriri, where tomatoes, French beans and flowers are grown in large volumes for both local and international markets.

Farmers in the region have long complained that poor road conditions hamper their ability to get produce to market, resulting in losses from spoilage and high transport costs.

Priscilla Kaveti, a tomato farmer, recalled instances where lorries from as far as Tanzania were stuck in Kiumbu for weeks because the old road was impassable, delaying the purchase and onward transport of farm produce.

“With the completion of this road, access to markets is now guaranteed and farmers can finally get value for their produce,” she said.

Improving rural road networks plays an essential role in boosting agricultural productivity, with agriculture accounting for about 25 per cent of Kenya’s gross domestic product.

Despite the sector employing around 70 per cent of the labour force either directly or indirectly, only 16 per cent of rural roads nationwide are paved, limiting market access for many farmers.

According to a study by the Kenya Institute for Public Policy Research and Analysis, a one per cent improvement in rural road infrastructure is associated with a 2.9 per cent increase in agricultural productivity and improved returns.

Beyond its economic benefits, the upgraded road has also eased access to essential services.

Anthony Munene observed that residents previously struggled to reach referral health facilities due to poor roads and even ambulances faced challenges accessing the area.

He said the improved route now enables patients to receive timely medical care.

The South Ngariama–Kiumbu–Ngurubani road forms part of a wider network of over 70 kilometres of roads being developed to improve access to trade and markets for farmers.

The network runs from the P.I area through South Ngariama, Kiumbu, Ndinduruku and Marurumo to Kiandegwa, connecting with the Nairobi–Marwa dual carriageway.

Kirinyaga County has also undertaken extensive road infrastructure programmes, with thousands of kilometres of rural access roads graded or murramed under initiatives such as the Nyorosha Barabara Mashinani project to improve connectivity for farmers and rural communities.