Residents Hail Chuka-Kathwana Road Network and Expansion of Technical Training Opportunities
Construction of Chuka-Kathwana Road and Kaanwa- Chuka Technical Institute offers significant relief for locals, students and tutors who have borne the brunt of bad roads for years.
Residents and business people in Tharaka Nithi County have welcomed the ongoing expansion of road infrastructure and technical training institutions, saying the projects are transforming transport, trade, education, and investment opportunities across the region.
Speaking in Kaanwa Tharaka Nithi County, local real estate agent Martin Jaruba Alfas praised the construction of the Chuka-Kathwana road network and feeder roads connecting key trading centres including Kaanwa Market, Makutano, Muanjate, Kajuki, Weru, and Kambandi.
According to him, the improved road connectivity has opened up the area for development and boosted investor confidence.
“This road has opened many opportunities for development because it connects different markets and centres. It has become easier for people to move, do business, and access services,” he said.
Martin credited area leaders for overseeing the implementation and continuation of the road projects, noting that residents are optimistic that the remaining sections linking Makutano to Weru and Kambandi will also be completed.
He noted that the interconnection of roads around Chuka Technical and Vocational College (TVC), also known as Muanjate Technical, is expected to further stimulate economic growth and improve accessibility to institutions and markets.
“There are several roads now linking Chuka, Kaanwa, Kathigiririni, Mariani, and Kambang’ombe. Once all these roads are interconnected, movement and business will improve greatly,” he added.
The real estate agent said the improved infrastructure has significantly benefited the property sector by increasing land value and attracting more buyers into the area.
“As a real estate agent, it is now easier to convince clients that this is a growing area. The roads have increased property value and people are now getting better returns from their land,” he explained.
Residents also praised the ongoing construction of feeder roads including the Chuka-Kareni road, Ndagani Tarmac, and the roads linking Chuka General, Rukindu, Kathigiririni, and Kaanwa Market.
Martin further called for the completion of additional road links connecting Makutano, Technical, Kiguambura, Kangutu, and Catholic areas to fully integrate the transport network.
He also commended Deputy President Kithure Kindiki for supporting development projects in Tharaka Nithi since assuming office, saying stalled projects have gained momentum through cooperation between national and local leaders.
“The Chuka-Kareni road had stalled for a long time, but we have seen major progress after leaders worked together,” he said.
Residents also applauded President William Ruto and area MP Patrick Munene for supporting infrastructure and education development initiatives in the county.
Martin highlighted the impact of affordable technical education, saying reduced fees in technical institutions have enabled more young people to acquire skills close to home.
“Many families struggled to educate their children before, but now learners can access technical institutions near their homes at a lower cost. This is helping young people gain practical skills for the future,” he said.
He also welcomed the planned construction of the Nithi Bridge, saying the project will improve safety and transport along the corridor.
According to residents, the proposed dual carriageway from Chuka towards Meru is expected to complement the growing road network by linking major roads such as Chuka-Kareni and Kibugua-Mukuuni to the planned superhighway.
“We appreciate the National Government for these developments and we urge them to continue implementing projects that improve the lives of wananchi,” Martin said.
