The Muangeni–Mukwakwani–Tiva road in Upper Kituti, Athi Ward, was officially opened for grading and widening last week by the Chief Officer for Agriculture and Fisheries in the Kitui County Ministry of Agriculture, Gladys Mami Kivoto. This marks the first time since independence that the 7-kilometre stretch has been made passable.

On July 19, 2025, during the retirement ceremony of Teacher Joseph Ndonyi, the local community appealed to CO Gladys Kivoto for assistance. She pledged support, and true to her word, work was carried out to clear bushes, open, and widen the road.

Speaking exclusively to Ukambani News Hub,Upper Kituti Village Administrator Mr. Titus Musya said that Previously, the road was impassable, filled with deep gullies and stones.

This development has also unlocked other opportunities. The Kenya Power project that had been identified for the area in September last year had stalled because the contractor could not transport materials such as poles and wires. With the road now accessible, the contractor has confirmed that works will begin next week. “With the road now complete, the contractor has confirmed to me this morning that work will officially begin next week.” Village Admin. Mr. Titus Musya said.

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The road serves Mukonzo, Makueni, Kisingo, Mukwakwani, and Matemani areas. The residents have expressed great joy, noting that they previously had to carry farm produce and other important things on their backs or use motorbikes due to poor road. With the new road now linking the area to the Kibwezi–Kitui tarmac road, transport and accessibility have been greatly eased.

Beyond easing movement, the road is expected to unlock the economic potential of the area. For years, local markets stagnated because farmers could not transport their produce efficiently. With this new development, farmers will now move their goods with ease, boosting trade, and overall economic growth in the area.

Through her intervention the Chief Officer has also successfully spearheaded the opening and widening of the 13-kilometre Kyangiu–Malatani–Kamunyuni road, a route that had long been impassable due to deep gullies and the challenges posed by Black Cotton (BC) soil, also known as Vertisols. This type of soil swells and shrinks significantly, making roads almost unusable during the rainy season.

The newly graded and widened road is a major relief for the community as it finally provides reliable access to key institutions such as Kyangiu Primary School and Kamunyuni Primary School, which had remained difficult to reach due to poor road connectivity.

Speaking to Ukambani News Hub, Mr. Harrison Mwania, a resident of Kyangiu, expressed deep gratitude to CO Gladys Kivoto for responding to their longstanding cries for help. He praised her for providing a grader from the Ministry of Agriculture under the County Government of Kitui to open and widen the road. “In the past, transporting construction materials to our homes by car or lorry was nearly impossible. We were forced to rely on motorbikes or carts. Now, with the opening and widening of the road, movement has greatly improved,” he said. He further appealed for murram to be spread on sections with Black Cotton soil to ensure the road remains passable even during the rainy season and installing of culverts where necessary to improve drainage and prevent damage, ensuring the road remains durable and accessible throughout the year.

Apart from improving mobility, the road is set to unlock the area’s economic potential. For years, local markets have struggled to grow because farmers faced challenges transporting their produce. With the new road in place, farmers can now move their goods with ease, a development that will boost trade, raise household incomes, and spur overall economic growth in the area.

The community has expressed their gratitude to Chief Officer Gladys Kivoto for delivering on her promise.

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