Ksh 900M Kamuwongo–Kandwia road upgrade set to spur business growth in Mwingi North

This project expected to ignite fresh investments, raise land values and accelerate the growth of emerging trading centres in Mwingi North.

The upgrade, launched by President William Ruto during his recent Ukambani development tour, has been hailed as a long-awaited economic catalyst with the potential to reshape commercial activity across Kitui County’s northern belt. 

The Head of State was accompanied by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Principal Secretary Eng. Joseph Mbugua and a host of national and county leaders.

The road forms a critical segment of the broader Mwingi–Kamuwongo–Irira–Ciangera (B64) Road, linking the Thika–Garissa (A3) highway to the Ena–Ishiara–Kathwana–Meru corridor. 

Once complete, the bitumen-standard upgrade will unlock direct connectivity between Mwingi and key commercial hubs including Embu, Meru, Garissa, Kitui and even Nairobi.

Located in Kyuso Ward, the project begins at Kamuwongo where the current tarmac ends, and stretches north-east to Kandwia. 

A project brief by the Kenya National Highways Authority indicates that the upgrade is being implemented under a contract valued at over Ksh 900 million, awarded on September 24, 2025.

“We will say thank you very much because the fuel business will grow because of those motors,” he said. “We will get many customers. From across Embu, Meru, because when that route is opened, they will all pass this way, going to Garissa, to places like Nairobi, to Kitui, Mombasa.”

Mutambuki believes the ripple effect will be felt far beyond his sector. “It will bring benefits. Not only for me, but also for the citizens, the passengers, market people, property owners, shops, everything. Autos, motels, it will work,” he added.

The KeNHA brief further explains that once fully paved, the corridor is expected to attract transport operators, agro-processors, hospitality investors and small businesses, transforming local centres such as Kamuwongo and Kandwia into active commercial nodes. Land prices are projected to rise sharply, with new facilities like the Kamuwongo ESP Market set to gain greater visibility and increased foot traffic.

The Kamuwongo–Kandwia stretch also forms part of the strategic Mombasa–Isiolo–Moyale development corridor, which connects Kenya to Ethiopia via Moyale. 

Improved access along this route is anticipated to enhance cross-county trade, freight movement and long-term regional integration.

For Mwingi North residents, the project is more than an infrastructure upgrade, it is a gateway to economic renewal.

As construction takes shape, expectations are high that the road will unlock new business opportunities, energise property markets and anchor sustained development across the constituency.