Long awaited tarmac to link Laikipia's Rumuruti-Mutara

“This is Laikipia, a place called Mutara, in Salama Ward. I am a resident here. I have lived here for over two decades, since finishing school. I have now become a parent, I am now a mother, and my firstborn is in college. We would only hear that tarmacked roads had been launched in other parts of the country, except Mutara.” Atupo was referring to the Rumuruti-Mutara-Nanyuki road, a gravel road that has, for years, crippled transport and economically disenfranchised communities living along the critical route. 

In April 2026, however, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) awarded a 2.47 billion shilling contract to Wak Construction to begin the tarmacking of the 25 kilometre stretch linking Rumuruti and Mutara township, an area many residents describe as the heart of Laikipia County. 

“Back in the county where I was born, there was tarmac. But here, where I married, even travelling is a struggle. You can spend up to three hours stuck on the road. This has really affected me because even my parents struggle to come and visit me here. To them, it feels as though we are going backwards.” Atupo reminisced about the difficult years with renewed hope for an efficient road transport system linking her home to Rumuruti Town. 

“We are happy that this tarmac road is finally coming because even women running small businesses will now be able to find work and opportunities.”  She indicated to Wak Construction

The sentiments coincided with President William Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki’s development tour and project inspection visit to Laikipia County, a region residents say has been marginalised for many years. 

Although the two leaders did not inspect or visit the Rumuruti-Mutara road project, expectations remained high in Mutara. 

“I can see that the President is taking development everywhere without discrimination. To me, development without favouritism means it belongs to everyone. No one is being left behind. I have also seen him launch roads in other counties that were once neglected. There is no favouritism and no tribal discrimination,” she added. 

The Director General of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) , Eng. Luka Kimeli, assured residents that the road works would be expedited. “The Rumuruti-Mutara Road project is therefore a timely and transformative investment for the people of Laikipia County and the wider region,” Eng. Kimeli said. 

Noting that “Following the award of the contract by KeNHA at the end of April, the contractor has already commenced mobilisation activities, including site preparations, logistical arrangements, and deployment planning. We expect actual construction works to begin within the next three months. The project is scheduled for completion within a 36-month timeline and is expected to greatly improve connectivity, reduce travel time, enhance road safety, and stimulate trade and economic activities along the corridor.” 

He added: “Beyond easing transport, the road will create employment opportunities during construction, improve access to essential services, support agricultural productivity, and strengthen regional integration and mobility.” 

The KeNHA road upgrade has been welcomed by residents living along the critical 25-kilometre stretch, where expectations remain high alongside growing calls for the fast-tracking of a project many describe as long overdue.