Residents of Kamuwongo in Mwingi North Constituency, Kitui County, have welcomed the long-awaited tarmacking of the 13-kilometre Kamuwongo–Kandwia Road, a development expected to significantly improve connectivity, safety and emergency response across the region.
On day two of his Ukambani development tour, President William Ruto officially launched the road project, which will link Mwingi town to Ena–Chiakariga, boosting trade, market access, and mobility for local communities.
According to a project brief from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Kamuwongo–Kandwia section of the B64 road forms part of the larger Mwingi–Kamuwongo–Irira–Ciangera road, connecting the Thika–Garissa (A3) Road at Mwingi to Buuri-Katheri-Meru-Chaaria-Mitunguu-Kathwana-Ishiara-Ena Road.
The 13km upgrade will convert the gravel road to bitumen standards, enhancing safety and accessibility for motorists.
The contract, awarded on 24 September 2025, is valued at over Ksh 900 million.
Residents expressed relief at the launch, recalling the challenges of travelling on the old road.
“I could not reach my school because there were huge rocks on the road,” said Mercy David, a local resident.
Echoing the struggles of many others, she recounted, “I remember one day going to collect my school letter. I didn’t make it on time because there were huge rocks on the road, and every time the vehicle stepped on them, it moved backwards,” she said, visibly disappointed.
She added, “I couldn’t reach the school, and up to today, I have never collected that letter.”
Her hope now rests on the newly launched road.
“I’m praying that once this road is completed as promised, I will be able to go for my letter in just 30 minutes and even start my business,” she said.
Mercy also highlighted the dangers and insecurity posed by the old road, particularly during the rainy season. “It was hazardous to pass through. At times, it looked like rivers on the road,” she noted.
The upgraded road is expected to enhance emergency and security response, particularly in a region bordering protected areas with scattered settlements.
Faster police, fire and medical services will now be possible between Mwingi town, Kamuwongo, Kandwia, and Ciangera, which is critical during floods, drought relief distribution, or disease outbreaks.
The Kamuwongo–Kandwia project is part of the broader Kibwezi–Mutomo–Kitui–Migwani–Mbondoni–Mwingi road, forming a segment of the Mombasa–Isiolo–Moyale (into Addis Ababa) Road Corridor Development Project.
During the launch, President Ruto was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Principal Secretary Eng. Joseph Mbugua and a host of national and county leaders.
