The Kwale County government in coastal Kenya has launched several rural roads construction projects with an aim to improve access to remote corners of the county. The county government recently handed over 30 roads to contractors to open up areas in the four sub counties of Matuga, Msambweni, Lunga Lunga and Kinango at a cost of US $911,577.02.

The exercise will involve construction of new roads as well as refurbishing old ones. Meanwhile, six roads were opened in Lunga Lunga sub-county in the wards of Mwereni, Dzombo and Pongwe; three roads in Msambweni sub-county in the wards of Ramisi and Ukunda; six in Matuga in the wards of Waa/Ngombeni, Tsimba, Kubo South and Bongwe/Gombato; and 15 in the vast Kinango sub-county in the wards of Kasemeni, Mwavumbo, Kinango, Samburu-Chengoni, Mackinnon Road, Puma and Ndavaya.

Opening up the county

According to the County Executive for Roads and Infrastructure Hemed Mwabudzo, the county has to be opened up for trade, business and investment. “We are fulfilling pledges that governor Salim Mvurya made to the people when he sought votes,” he said during a site handing over ceremony.

He further added that the devolved unit is determined to turn most rural roads into ‘passable and motorable’ to make it easier for farmers to transport their produce to the urban areas. “The rural infrastructure upgrades will in the long run increase economic and commercial activities in both rural and urban area,” said Mr. Mwabudzo.

He also said that people can now access markets, shopping centers, schools and places they wish to visit easily from their homes. “Gorvernor Mvurya’s administration is at the forefront in initiating and executing development projects that will have positive impact on residents across the coastal county,” he affirmed.