Heavy machinery deployed to tarmac roads in Eldoret and other urban areas in Uasin GishuUasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii has hailed his administration's investment in infrastructure, saying improved roads and transport networks are laying the foundation for faster economic growth.
He said the county made significant progress in road development during the last financial year, grading more than 1,200 kilometres of roads and gravelling more than 300 kilometres to improve connectivity.
"I am happy with the work we have done so far, even though we still have much more to do to ensure we have good roads in all parts of our county," Bii said.
He spoke during a routine inspection tour of road projects accompanied by roads executive Abraham Serem.
Serem said Bii had made infrastructure development a key pillar of his administration, enabling the county to improve road access in urban and rural areas.
"The governor has provided adequate resources. We have a big task ahead to ensure every part of the county is connected through good roads," he said.
Serem said the county has also completed more than 30 bridges and box culverts to improve access and ease movement across the region.
To sustain the momentum, the county has allocated Sh415 million for flagship road projects in the 2026-27 financial year.
"The goal is to make major strides in improving livelihoods, boosting the economy and driving sustainable development through quality infrastructure," Bii said.
The funding will support the construction of new bridges and box culverts, as well as the tarmacking of at least one kilometre of road in each of the county's new municipalities. They include Cheramei, Moisbridge, Ziwa, Kesses, Moiben and Burnt Forest.
Drainage works in previously marginalised areas along ward boundaries are also planned.
Serem and roads chief officer Geoffrey Tanui said the department had also achieved major milestones during the 2025-26 financial year.
Through framework contracts, it completed 489.5 kilometres of road grading and 316.99 kilometres of gravelling within two months.
They said projects being implemented in partnership with the National Youth Service and through in-house programmes are now 52 per cent complete.
The county is also nearing completion of a new asphalt processing plant in Eldoret, which Bii said is 94 per cent complete.
According to the governor, the plant will support plans to tarmac several kilometres of roads in Eldoret and the county's six new municipalities while reducing road construction costs by up to 50 per cent.
"The plant is expected to improve efficiency, reduce road construction costs by 50 per cent and produce more durable roads. My administration has also enhanced transportation and pedestrian safety through the installation of traffic lights on major streets," Bii said.
The asphalt plant is included in the County Integrated Development Plan 2023-27 and forms part of the governor's infrastructure development agenda.
The county has also sought to ease congestion in Eldoret through the construction of a new bus park serving matatu Saccos operating on the Eldoret-Langas and other eastern routes, alongside the ongoing renovation of the Iten-Chepkoile bus park.
Matatu operators welcomed the improvements, saying they would enhance public transport services.
"During heavy rains, our vehicles and passengers had to wade through muddy potholes. This renovation will bring reprieve," said John Chepkonga, speaking on behalf of operators alongside Enock Toroitich.
Other completed urban infrastructure projects include the tarmacking of Bandaptai Road, the paving of Farmers Street in Eldoret, and road upgrades in Mwanzo, Shauri, Maili Nne and Kipkaren estates.
