By John Kariuki
The relentless efforts of Kajiado South MP Samuel Parashina to have the Ilasit-Taveta road constructed have finally borne fruit. The legislator has been at the forefront of lobbying the national government to fast-track the project, recognizing its crucial role in unlocking the economic potential of the region.
On Friday, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Director General, Eng. Kungu Ndungu, officially handed over the Ilasit-Njukini-Taveta road site to Sinohydro Corporation Ltd for maintenance, paving the way for construction, which is set to commence in mid-February 2025.
The 66.5-kilometer road, which stretches from Taveta to Ilasit, will be completed within 30 months under an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) arrangement. The project will feature a 7-meter-wide carriageway with 1.5-meter shoulders, new bridges, box culverts, street lighting in major centers, and improved junctions to enhance accessibility and safety.
Once completed, the road is expected to significantly boost economic activities, particularly in agriculture and tourism. Farmers will benefit from improved transportation of produce to markets, while the tourism sector will gain from better access to key destinations near the Tanzanian border.
MP Parashina has reiterated his commitment to ensuring the timely implementation of the project, emphasizing its transformative impact on local communities. “This road is a game-changer for the people of Kajiado South. It will not only improve connectivity but also stimulate economic growth by facilitating trade and investment,” he stated.
The Ilasit-Taveta road construction marks a major milestone in infrastructure development in the region, aligning with the government’s broader agenda of enhancing road networks to spur economic development. Residents eagerly anticipate the project’s completion, which will open new opportunities for business, tourism, and improved livelihoods.