The Kisii County government has marked a major milestone in its infrastructure transformation agenda following the launch of a multi-million shilling fleet of road construction machinery by Governor Simba Arati.
The commissioning ceremony, held at the Gusii Stadium, signals a bold step toward achieving self-reliance in road construction and maintenance under the county’s development strategy.
The event brought together a cross-section of national and county leadership, including Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, Members of the National Assembly, Members of the County Assembly, and senior government officials.
It was marked by the official unveiling and flagging off of a modern fleet of heavy-duty machinery, including excavators, graders, rollers, and tippers, acquired through a deliberate investment aimed at strengthening the county’s in-house capacity.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Arati said the acquisition represents a shift from overreliance on costly private contractors to a more sustainable and cost-effective model of service delivery.
He noted that the move will not only save public funds but also ensure quicker response to road maintenance needs, particularly during adverse weather conditions.
Emphasizing the link between infrastructure and prosperity, the Governor reiterated that a reliable road network is critical to unlocking economic growth and improving livelihoods.
The machinery will be deployed across all wards, ensuring that roads remain accessible throughout the year. This is expected to significantly improve the movement of agricultural produce to markets, enhance access to essential services such as education and healthcare, and open up rural areas for greater economic participation. A dedicated county technical team will manage the fleet to guarantee efficiency, accountability, and timely interventions.
CS Julius Ogamba commended the county for the initiative, noting that improved road infrastructure will have a direct and positive impact on the education sector by enabling easier and safer access to schools for both learners and teachers, especially in remote parts of the county.
Members of Parliament present included Silvanus Osoro, Steve Mogaka, Daniel Manduku, Zaheer Jhanda, Alpha Miruka, Japheth Nyakundi, and Irene Mayaka, alongside MCAs and other senior county officials, reflecting broad support for the initiative.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic flagging off of the machinery as it departed for various sub-counties to commence work immediately, ushering in a new era of efficient, responsive, and locally driven road maintenance in Kisii County.
