Ksh38 billion project to boost farm produce reach

Last Updated 13 years ago by Kenya Engineer

A Ksh38 billion project to rehabilitate and expand the Machakos -Embu –Meru road passing through Tharaka Nithi is underway says Embu County Governor, Martin Wambora. This is with efforts to ease traffic congestion, improve business and transportation in the four counties. 

Speaking at the launch of Kithimu Market in Embu West, one of the modern markets to be built in Embu at a cost of Ksh38 million, he said that the 42-kilometre stretch from Embu to Machakos had already been allocated Ksh3.9 billion and construction would start early next year.

The Governor said that the project includes the reconstruction and expansion of the road from Muthatari-Masinga and a dual carriageway from Muthatari to link to the Nairobi-Meru highway. Bypasses will also be constructed at strategic positions to facilitate transportation and ease congestion that he says has hit the town-Embu for a long time.The Governor further said that small feeder roads under the County Government were earmarked for facelifts during the County Budgetary allocations already in place.

The governor noted that the Super-highway would link up the four counties and that engineers would start public hearings today on the project suitability.

“It will pass by our proposed business park and will open up trade between the four counties. Public hearings on the environmental impact will start today,” said Mr Wambora.

Embu being an Agricultural county, Governor Wambora said that his government prioritized over infrastructure development to ease the process through which farm produce would reach the market. 

In relation to the development to modernize markets in the area, the governor said the construction of the markets would ensure that farmers’ produce reaches the selling point while still fresh and in so doing improve earnings. Other markets to be constructed include Kibugu and Kangaru markets which will cost Ksh42 million and Ksh70 million, respectively. All three are set to be completed in nine months.

Currently, Embu County has two already operational markets in Manyatta in Embu North and Karurumo in Embu East.