By Wasike Elvis 

Residents of Uasin Gishu County are set to benefit from improved road infrastructure following the completion of a new asphalt processing plant that is expected to significantly reduce road construction costs and accelerate the tarmacking of roads across the county.

The County Government of Uasin Gishu has announced that the asphalt plant, located in Eldoret City, is now 90 percent complete and will soon be commissioned and operationalized. The facility is expected to play a key role in enhancing road construction efficiency, lowering project costs by more than 50 percent, and improving the quality and durability of roads.

Speaking on the project, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Roads Abraham Serem said the new plant will support the county's ambitious infrastructure development agenda by providing a steady and affordable supply of asphalt for road projects.

“The asphalt plant will enable us to reduce construction costs significantly while improving the quality of roads being built across the county. This will help us achieve our goal of opening up economic opportunities and improving connectivity for residents,” said Serem.

The project is part of Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii Chelilim’s broader plan to expand and upgrade the county's road network. Once operational, the plant will facilitate the tarmacking of several kilometres of roads in key municipalities, including Cheramei, Moisbridge, Ziwa, Kesses, Moiben, and Burnt Forest, which have been identified as the first beneficiaries.

County officials say the improved road network will enhance the movement of goods and people, lower transport costs for farmers and traders, and boost economic activities in both urban and rural areas.

Serem noted that the Roads Department has already achieved 52 percent completion of other ongoing infrastructure projects across the county. The projects are being implemented through framework contracts, partnerships with the National Youth Service (NYS), and various in-house programmes aimed at improving accessibility and connectivity.

The county government has set an ambitious target of completing 700 kilometres of roads under the current development plan, a move expected to transform transport infrastructure and support economic growth.

The establishment of the asphalt plant is anchored in the Uasin Gishu County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP) 2023–2027, which prioritises upgrading roads to bitumen standards. The initiative also aligns with Governor Bii’s manifesto under Pillar VI on Infrastructure Development and Public Works, which seeks to upgrade and maintain county roads to all-weather standards.

With the plant nearing completion, residents and businesses are optimistic that the investment will not only accelerate road development but also strengthen the county’s position as a regional economic hub by improving access to markets, schools, health facilities, and other essential services.

The commissioning of the facility is expected to mark a major milestone in Uasin Gishu’s efforts to modernise infrastructure and deliver cost-effective development projects for its growing population.