Sh100m bridge to spur trade and development in Laikipia

Construction of a bridge over Ewaso Nyiro River continues. PHOTO: JECKONIA OTIENO/STANDARD

Laikipia County Government is constructing a Sh100 million bridge over the Ewaso Nyiro River to open up the region to trade and development.

The bridge also seeks to shorten the distance between Laikipia North and Laikipia West to open up Doldol town for investments.

The construction of the bridge is an effort of Governor Joshua Irungu to improve movement and trade of livestock and to also eliminate deaths caused by the river especially during rainy seasons.

Being a pastoralist’s centre, ward administrator Peter Leshao says the renovation of the Doldol-Kimanjo-Rumururti Road will boost livestock trade and ease access to major markets, for instance Nyahururu.

Traders and residents have welcomed the project saying it is bound to reduce deaths of people and livestock as well as ease the movement of goods and services.

Vibrant trade

The bridge whose construction started last September and expected to be completed early next year is the first of its kind to connect Laikipia North and Laikipia West directly.

With the opening of Doldol-Kimanjo-Rumururti Road, it is expected that the north of the county will see more economic growth with increased investments in the vibrant livestock trade.

Currently, the roads connecting the two regions have to pass through Nanyuki in Laikipia East or Samburu County, thus making it cumbersome for residents to access markets in time as well as increasing their operating costs.

Some of the major trading centres in Laikipia include Nanyuki, Nyahururu, Rumuruti and Doldol.