Residents of North Kinangop in Nyandarua County are celebrating the resumption of long-stalled road projects, marking a turning point in a region long plagued by poor infrastructure. The revival of the tarmacking of the Captain–Wanjohi–Ndunyu Njeru road has sparked a wave of optimism among locals, especially farmers who have endured years of transportation challenges.
During a recent visit to Karai village in North Kinangop Ward, community members expressed their relief and gratitude as heavy machinery returned to complete the long-overdue works. Known for its thriving horticultural and dairy farming, the region stands to benefit immensely from the improved road network, which is expected to reduce post-harvest losses and open up easier access to markets.
“We have endured so much,” said Ruth Njoki, an elderly resident, recalling the years of hardship that forced locals to deliver babies by the roadside due to impassable roads. “This road will change lives.”
Villages such as Kwa Mbekenya, Karima Karai, and Kiambariki have particularly suffered the effects of inadequate infrastructure, which hindered economic development and isolated communities. The poor road conditions were so notorious that residents jokingly said Kinangopians could be recognized by the black rings on their legs evidence of countless years spent trudging through thick mud in gumboots.
The renewed construction has been attributed to the national government’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure in Nyandarua County, a pledge made by President William Ruto during a recent tour of the region. Residents extended heartfelt appreciation to the president for fulfilling his promise, as well as to their Member of Parliament, Kwenya Thuku, for his relentless lobbying that unlocked funding and political support.
As the road works progress, the people of North Kinangop are hopeful that better days lie ahead. For a region once forgotten, the hum of bulldozers signals not just physical transformation, but a restoration of dignity and opportunity.
