NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 8 – Generations of residents of Kigumo in Embu County have lived with the expectation that the long-promised tarmac road would eventually reach their doorstep.
Today, the ongoing upgrading of the Kathageri-Kanyuambora corridor is giving that expectation a tangible form, with residents linking the project to commitments made by President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
Rael Wanja Njiru, a resident of Kigumo, said the arrival of the road marks a significant moment for a community that had waited for decades for improved connectivity.
“Since the time of Jomo Kenyatta, we have heard that a tarmac road would come through Kigumo, but we never saw it. Now we are very happy to see the tarmac,” she said.
Wanja said the improved road is already changing everyday life for residents, particularly women traders and school-going children who previously faced difficulties navigating the route.
She is among residents welcoming the progress of ongoing road construction in the village. She added that the project represents more than a transport link, describing it as a fulfilment of a promise to connect communities in the area with wider markets and neighbouring parts of Embu.
KeRRA documents list the Rukuriri-Kathageri-Kanyuambora project as an eight-kilometre road upgrade under its rehabilitation projects, while national planning documents have also identified the corridor for upgrading to bitumen standards.
For young people, the road project is also creating employment opportunities during construction.
Dennis Murimi, a Runyenjes resident and equipment operator, said the project has provided work for local youth while opening prospects for businesses once the road is completed.
“The government has created jobs. Many young people have been employed and are helping themselves,” Murimi said.
He said construction activity along the corridor has gathered momentum, with works progressing towards Kanyuambora.
The road is expected to strengthen the movement of agricultural produce from the productive Runyenjes area to markets and processing facilities.
Recent reporting has highlighted its potential to improve access for tea, coffee and dairy farmers while strengthening links between Runyenjes and Mbeere North.
The political significance of the project is particularly evident in residents’ description of it as a long-awaited government commitment.
For residents such as Wanja, however, the political promise is being measured against a practical change they can see and use.
She said the improved road will make it easier for residents to travel to markets, for traders to move their goods and for children to get to school.
As construction advances towards Kanyuambora, residents say completing the remaining works will be important in realising the full connectivity and economic benefits expected from the corridor.
