Uasin Gishu Launches 700km Road Upgrade Programme to Boost Connectivity and Economic Growth

Uasin Gishu County has launched one of its most ambitious infrastructure programmes, with the grading and murraming of more than 700 kilometres of roads across all 30 wards, a move expected to significantly transform mobility, service delivery, and economic growth.

The programme was officially launched at Sinonin area in Soy Ward, where Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim said the initiative would redefine connectivity and unlock economic opportunities throughout the county. He described the project as a major milestone in the implementation of the county’s “Singapore Vision for the County of Champions,” which prioritises infrastructure as a catalyst for development.

Governor Bii said the expanded road network will improve access to essential services, particularly in education, health, and agriculture, sectors that form the backbone of the county’s economy.

“These roads will make it easier for our children to get to school, for families to access healthcare, and for farmers to move their produce to markets,” the governor said. “By improving mobility in education, health, and agriculture, we are directly improving livelihoods and strengthening the backbone of our economy.”

He added that upgrading more than 700 kilometres of roads will lower transport costs, open up rural and previously hard-to-reach areas, and better connect communities to markets and public services. According to the governor, the initiative places Uasin Gishu County on a firm path towards sustained double-digit economic growth while enhancing equity in development across all wards.

Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea said the programme addresses long-standing infrastructure gaps that have limited growth in several parts of the county, especially during rainy seasons when some roads become impassable.

“Reliable road infrastructure is the backbone of development,” Kapkea said. “This initiative will ensure uninterrupted access, even during the rainy seasons, enabling farmers, traders, and service providers to operate more efficiently and predictably.”

In addition to the road upgrades, the county government announced the rollout of 30 bridge construction projects, one in each ward, aimed at guaranteeing all-weather access, reducing travel times, and unlocking trade and investment opportunities within and beyond the county.

County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Roads, Dr. Abraham Serem, lauded Governor Bii for the bold initiative, saying it would ensure that roads in all 30 wards are passable and properly maintained.

“This programme means that roads across all the thirty wards will now be passable,” Dr. Serem said. “The governor is clearly committed to ensuring that all county infrastructure is in good condition, not just today but sustainably into the future. This is a deliberate investment in long-term development and efficient service delivery.”

Dr. Serem added that the partnership with the National Youth Service (NYS) has strengthened the county’s technical capacity, allowing works to be carried out faster and to higher standards through the use of modern equipment and skilled personnel.

Leader of Majority in the County Assembly, Julius Sang, said the Assembly fully supports the programme, describing it as a people-driven development agenda aligned with the Nguzo Kumi Development Plan.

“This investment speaks directly to the needs of our people,” Sang said. “Improved roads and bridges translate into better livelihoods, stronger local economies, and equitable development across all wards.”

The grading and murraming exercise follows the recent signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Uasin Gishu County Government and the National Youth Service. Through the partnership, NYS has deployed modern machinery, technical expertise, and manpower to fast-track the implementation of the project.

County officials said the three-month programme is expected to benefit communities in all 30 wards, improve service delivery, and lay a strong foundation for sustained economic growth, positioning Uasin Gishu as a regional hub for trade, agriculture, and investment.