President Ruto kicks off work on Bobaracho-Manyasi-Tinga road

President Ruto visited Kisii County on Monday to formally launch the construction of the Bobaracho-Manyasi-Tinga road. The project forms part of the government's wider plan to upgrade rural road networks to bitumen standards.

The launch ceremony drew large crowds of local residents who gathered to witness the arrival of heavy earth-moving equipment. Dr. Raymond Omollo, who accompanied the President, noted that the project is intended to ease mobility for locals.

Engineers have already deployed graders and water bowsers to the site to begin the initial clearing and leveling of the road surface. This specific stretch has long been a priority for the regional administration due to its connection to agricultural zones.

By improving this corridor, the government aims to reduce the time it takes for farmers to get their produce to the markets. Kisii County is known for its high production of bananas and tea, which rely on efficient transport.

The Bobaracho-Manyasi-Tinga road is expected to provide a more reliable link between several trading centers. During the launch, the President emphasized that infrastructure remains a cornerstone of the national development agenda for the coming years.

Local leaders present at the event welcomed the move, stating that the road has been in a state of disrepair for quite some time. The new construction will involve drainage works and the laying of a durable all-weather surface.

Heavy machinery was seen moving onto the dirt tracks immediately after the ceremonial flagging off. The presence of the technical team suggests that the contractor is ready to maintain the momentum of the works.

This project is one of several infrastructure engagements the President is overseeing in the Nyanza and South Rift regions this week. It follows similar commitments to expand the electricity grid and water supply in the neighboring areas.

The Ministry of Roads and Transport will oversee the implementation through the Kenya Rural Roads Authority. This body is tasked with ensuring that the construction meets the required technical specifications and is completed on time.

Residents expressed hope that the road will also create temporary employment for the youth during the construction phase. Such projects often involve local labor for masonry and drainage clearing works.

The launch concludes a series of official activities in the county aimed at addressing long-standing transport bottlenecks. Security was tight during the event, which saw the President interact briefly with members of the public.

With the machinery now on the ground, the focus shifts to the contractor to deliver the project within the stipulated timelines. The Bobaracho-Manyasi-Tinga road is now officially a live construction site.