Improved roads and drainage systems are expected to significantly boost agriculture and trade in Uasin Gishu County, according to Governor Jonathan Bii. The county government has undertaken a major initiative, improving over 800km of rural roads in preparation for the long rains, which will enhance access to markets and improve farm input and output transportation.
Governor Bii emphasized that this infrastructure improvement will make it easier for farmers to transport their produce and farm inputs, such as fertilizers and seeds, with much more efficiency. The enhanced road network is expected to have a positive impact on agricultural productivity, particularly for farmers who rely on timely access to markets for selling their produce and buying necessary inputs for the next planting season.
In addition to road rehabilitation, the county has also launched a comprehensive program to address drainage challenges. The county government has been clearing stormwater drains and constructing bridges and culverts in areas where the heavy rains frequently disrupt transportation and access. By doing so, the county aims to prevent flooding and ensure that roads remain passable throughout the rainy season.
The infrastructure improvements are part of the broader vision outlined in Governor Bii’s manifesto, where a key focus is on developing infrastructure that can generate long-term economic benefits for the rural population. With agriculture being a significant part of Uasin Gishu’s economy, the governor believes that the better roads and drainage systems will help farmers increase productivity and access to markets, ultimately leading to better prices for their produce.
The long rains season has already begun, and many farmers in Uasin Gishu have started planting maize. Hundreds of farmers have visited the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and the Kenya Seed Company depots in Eldoret to buy subsidized maize seeds and fertilizers. The county government’s focus on improving infrastructure, especially the roads, will ensure that these farmers can more easily transport their inputs to their farms and, after harvesting, get their produce to markets where they can sell at competitive prices.
Farmers in rural areas have reported positive changes due to the improved road networks. Emmanuel Saina, a farmer from Kosachei village in Tapsagoi, mentioned that the rehabilitation of roads has significantly improved their ability to transport both inputs and produce. He expressed gratitude for the county’s investment in the infrastructure, noting that it has made a tremendous difference to their farming operations.
Similarly, farmers like Mathew Kosgey from Chebororwa and Franklin Kosgey from Kapseret have noted that the improved roads have also facilitated easier access to markets, which is essential for them to secure better prices for their harvests. In areas where access was once difficult during the rainy season, the construction of bridges and culverts has opened up opportunities for farmers to transport their goods year-round without the seasonal disruptions they once faced.
In Ziwa, farmer Eliud Ng’etich highlighted the importance of maintaining the roads, stressing that the improved infrastructure not only helps with transportation but also plays a crucial role in enhancing food security. The ability to access markets and buy essential supplies will help farmers produce more and better-quality crops, contributing to greater food availability within the region.
While the improvements to infrastructure have been met with enthusiasm, farmers have called on the county government to ensure continued maintenance of the roads to ensure that the benefits of the development are sustained in the long term. As the county continues to grow, the maintenance and further expansion of road networks will be key to sustaining economic growth and ensuring that agricultural activities remain productive and profitable.
Overall, the ongoing improvements in rural roads and drainage systems represent a significant step toward building a more resilient and prosperous agricultural sector in Uasin Gishu, offering increased opportunities for farmers and contributing to the overall economic development of the region.
