Narok opens up roads to spur growth

Narok, Kenya: Two years since the advent of devolution, Narok Governor Samwel Ole Tunai says the county has achieved commendable growth in various sectors despite the opposition he has faced from a section of local leaders.

Tunai said the county, whose slogan is 'Home of the Seventh World Wonder', now has the first-ever tarmac road after years of neglect of the critical sector by previous regimes and the defunct local authority.

The six-kilometre road from Nairegia-Enkare junction to the trading centre is complete and ready for commissioning.

The county chief said they have set aside a whopping Sh1.2 billion in the 2013-2014 budget for the upgrade of roads and so far over 800 kilometres have been rehabilitated.

He revealed that they have earmarked Sh800 million for the third phase of the project after successful completion of phase one and two.

Tunai says the county can only realise its full potential if the road network in the area is up to scratch.

"Roads infrastructure is a critical component to our economy and that is why we are investing heavily in the sector," he said.

He adds: "We want to be done with roads by next year so that we can start focusing on other areas," said Tunai.

The county chief warned contractors who do shoddy work that they risked having their contracts cancelled. He at the same called on residents to closely monitor road works in the area and report contractors doing substandard work.

"The best people to audit and interrogate what is happening are those living in the areas where such roads are being constructed," he said.