NAIROBI, Kenya, Nov 18 – The 13-kilometre Kamuwongo–Kandwia Road in Kitui County is set to become a critical all-season link between Mwingi town and surrounding rural areas, a development hailed by local residents as a game-changer for safety, travel and business.
Eric Mwema, a resident of Kamuwongo, explained the challenges faced by commuters before the upgrade.
“This road has been stuck here since 2013. During that time, vehicles were getting damaged, our motorbikes on this road were completely off, so many accidents on this road,” he said.
Mwema said the journey from Kamuwongo to Kanduya, a distance of just 13 kilometres, used to take nearly an hour due to poor road conditions.
“But now, since this road is being fixed and the way it has been levelled now…let’s say 30 minutes or 25 minutes, and you reach there. We are happy because of that. And we know accidents and many of those other issues will reduce. And business, first of all, will grow very well,” he added.
The project was launched on day two of President William Ruto’s Ukambani development tour.
He was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Principal Secretary Eng. Joseph Mbugua and other national and county officials.
According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Kamuwongo–Kandwia section forms part of the larger 109-kilometre Mwingi–Kamuwongo–Irira–Ciangera (B64) Road, which links the Thika–Garissa (A3) Road at Mwingi to the Buuri–Katheri–Meru–Chaaria–Mitungu–Kathwana–Ishiara–Ena Road.
The current project involves upgrading the 13-kilometre gravel stretch from Kamuwongo, where the existing tarmac ends, to Kandwia.
The corridor runs predominantly north-northeast and is part of the broader Kibwezi–Mutomo–Kitui–Migwani–Mbondoni–Mwingi Road, which feeds into the Mombasa–Isiolo–Moyale development corridor connecting Kenya to Ethiopia.
The contract, awarded on 24 September 2025, is valued at over Sh900 million.
Once completed, the tarmacked road is expected to facilitate safer travel, reduce vehicle wear and tear, and improve access for passengers, traders, and service providers.
Residents like Mwema are optimistic about the wider economic benefits.
The upgraded road is expected to unlock business potential along the corridor, allowing easier movement of goods, attracting investment, and formalising market centres such as the Kamuwongo ESP Market.
For Mwingi North, the Kamuwongo–Kandwia road represents more than just a transport upgrade; it is a vital artery that promises safer journeys, economic growth, and long-term development for the surrounding communities.
