For the longest time, donkeys and bicycles were the only modes of transport between Ikoli and Kimangeti in the hilly Kuvasali area and Malava market along the Kakamega-Webuye road.
However, the upgrading of the Ikoli–Kimangeti-Malava road has changed that. Land prices have doubled along the 10km stretch.
The new road has opened up the area and halved the time taken by farmers transporting milk and maize from Nandi county to Kakamega.
“Before it was tarmacked, the average cost of land on the road was Sh650,000, but this has since doubled,” said Patrick Ngache, a registered land surveyor.
According to Mr Ngache, plots are more expensive, with a 50x100 square ft plot going for Sh700,000.
He said some of his clients bought land near the same road years back. “They must be celebrating because the value of their properties continues to appreciate,” he said.
Antony Kulecho, 70, said about 15 years ago, the road was impassable. “I had difficulties transporting maize using donkeys from the Nandi-Malava border. The journey both ways took 10 hours.”
“It is good to see people using pickups and motorcycles to transport milk, maize and other farm produce along the upgraded road, I never imagined this would happen in my lifetime,” he said.
The road construction was launched by Deputy President William Ruto in 2020. “It is expected to boost farming in Kakamega North and create opportunities for dairy farmers in Nandi county who find a ready market in Kakamega,” said resident Derrick Musungu.
“It has made it possible for the locals to rush patients to hospitals without fear. Initially, many accidents involving boda boda riders were witnessed because of the poor road,” Musungu said.
During the launch, Dr Ruto said the road, which cuts through remote villages, would promote agriculture. “People will grow vegetables, sweet potatoes and other crops and take them to nearby markets.” To many residents, the road project is a game-changer. Boaz Mukaramoja, a human rights activist at Malava, said the transformation will stimulate economic growth.
“The road was dusty during the dry spell and muddy whenever it rained. Accidents were the order of the day and farmers could not get their produce to the market easily,” Mukaramoja said.
But residents want the contractor to also prioritise the construction of culverts to improve drainage and use quality materials so that the road can last longer.
“Such rural roads require regular repair and maintenance because they are used by tractors transporting sugarcane to local factories.”
Jackton Isiye, a resident of Kimang’eti, said the upgrading of the new road will create many opportunities for locals.
“We had a challenge in transporting our produce to markets but clearly, there is hope. We expect to gain more because people will be able to sell their products. The transportation cost will also go down.” Frida Koech from Nandi said it has become easier to transport milk to Kakamega town.
“Initially, we could only transport small quantities of milk on bicycles but with the new road, we have increased the volume since the mode of transport has changed from non-motorised to motorised,” Ms Koech said.
Patrick Anyonje, a boda boda rider, said the new road will reduce the fuel consumed by motorists. “It will be less costly plying this route in terms of fuel consumption.”
Teachers and learners interviewed said they spent fewer hours walking to school because there is no mud on the road.
“Initially, walking to school on a slippery road was difficult. We are happy the problem has been fixed,” said Mercy Indangasi, a local student.
