by Hillary Fletcher

For many residents across Nakuru County, a good road means much more than a smooth drive. It means farmers can get their produce to market on time, children can reach school safely, expectant mothers can access healthcare without delay, and businesses can thrive. These are the everyday changes that Governor Susan Kihika’s Imarisha Barabara Programme is delivering across the county.Since its launch, the programme has grown into one of Nakuru County’s flagship infrastructure initiatives, restoring hope to communities that had for years struggled with impassable roads. Today, roads that were once dusty during the dry season and muddy whenever it rained are being transformed into reliable access routes that connect people to opportunities.The County Government has set an ambitious target of upgrading more than 800 kilometres of roads during the 2025/2026 financial year. So far, about 30 of Nakuru County’s 55 wards have benefited from the programme, with road improvement works continuing in different parts of the county.The impact is evident in every sub-county. In Bahati for instance, residents of Kabatini are already enjoying improved access following the upgrading of PCEA–Githima Wendo Road. In Kiamaina, Quarry Estate, Mchanganyiko and Canaan Estate roads have also been dozed and improved, making it easier for residents to move around, transport goods and access essential services.For many communities, these roads are opening doors that had remained closed for years. Farmers can now transport fresh produce to markets more quickly, school-going children no longer struggle through muddy paths, and businesses are experiencing increased customer traffic because of improved accessibility. Better roads are also enabling faster emergency response and bringing government services closer to the people.The success of the programme has been strengthened through collaboration. A partnership between the County Government of Nakuru and the National Youth Service (NYS), under a Memorandum of Understanding, has provided additional heavy machinery to support road works. The extra equipment has enabled multiple projects to run simultaneously, helping the county reach more communities within a shorter period.Behind every kilometre of road upgraded is a committed team working both in the field and behind the scenes. The programme is led by County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure Eng. Michael Kamau and Chief Officer Kennedy Mungai, with technical leadership from Eng. Edgar Sirima, Administrator Bernard Liturgy, Eng. Joseph Kairuthi, and Sub-County Engineers led by Robert Gitonga, alongside many other engineers, supervisors and technical officers whose dedication continues to drive the programme forward.As more roads are opened and upgraded, Imarisha Barabara is proving that infrastructure is about people as much as it is about construction. Every road completed is creating new opportunities, strengthening local economies and bringing communities closer together.For Governor Susan Kihika’s administration, the journey goes beyond building roads. It is about building connections, unlocking potential and ensuring that every corner of Nakuru County has the infrastructure needed to support growth, dignity and a better quality of life.