Boost for Kwale farmers after tarmacking of Tiwi-Vinuni road begins

Farmers in Kwale County are set to benefit after the tarmacking of a road that serves as a crucial link between the rural farming communities and the nearby market centres began.

Presiding over the tarmacking of Tiwi-Vinuni road in Matuga sub-county on Saturday, Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani said farmers will be able to expand their production and invest in new crops, knowing that they will have reliable access to markets.

“This project, once completed, will not only improve the infrastructure of the region but will also have a significant impact on the local economy,” she said.

The county boss noted tarmacking of the road will bring about a much-needed change for the farmers saying it will provide them with a safe and reliable route to transport their produce to the market centres even during the rainy season.

“This means that their fruits, vegetables, and other agricultural products will reach the consumers on time, reducing spoilage and ensuring higher profits for the farmers,” Achani added.

Mwana Juma, a local farmer noted they have been struggling to access markets.

“It is a good initiative. Let us hope it will serve our needs since we have been having a hard time delivering our products to the market,” said Mwana.

Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani presides over the tarmacking of Tiwi-Vinuni road in Matuga sub-county on January 20, 2024. (Kwale County Press)

Nelly Katana, a resident, urged the county government to improve the transportation infrastructure.

“We hope for more of such projects because there will be an increase in economic activity in the area,” said Ms Katana.

According to the governor, the completion of the project will lead to increased employment opportunities and a boost in the overall prosperity of the community.

At the same time, Governor Achani announced the county government is looking into enhancing sports facilities in the area.

She said the county government is investing in building and upgrading facilities citing the Sh450 million Kwale County Stadium.

The stadium is equipped with football and basketball pitches, changing rooms, a restaurant, an athletics tartan track, medical rooms, washrooms, and floodlights equipping it to host national and international events.

The county is also overseeing the construction of 500-seater rural stadiums to encourage diverse sporting activities, emphasising the vital role of sports in fostering physical fitness, mental well-being, and social integration among the youth.