President William Ruto on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, officially launched the construction of the 20-kilometre Emali-Matiliku road, a key segment of the 42-kilometre Emali-Ukia road, in Ndundune, Makueni County.

The project, valued at KSh1.1 billion, is set to enhance connectivity, facilitate trade, and improve access to essential services for residents in the region.

Speaking during the launch, President Ruto highlighted the importance of the road in linking key market access points. In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, he said the project will open markets and access points around the area.

“The KSh1.1 billion project will open up key market access points by linking Kativani, Manywani, Matiliku, Kalamba, Nziu, and Ukia trading centres, and Wote town onward to Kajiado, Nairobi, and Mombasa,” he said in a statement

The project is expected to significantly reduce transport costs for traders and farmers, making it easier and faster to move goods between local markets and major urban centres.

President Ruto added that the new road would help expand trade in perishable goods and livestock products, enabling farmers to reach markets more efficiently, reduce post-harvest losses, and increase their earnings.

“It will reduce transport costs, expand trade in perishable goods and livestock products, and enable farmers to reach markets more quickly, cutting post-harvest losses and increasing their earnings,” he said.

The road is also expected to improve safety and travel time along the busy Makueni corridor, which connects several trading centres to Nairobi and Mombasa.

The Emali-Matiliku road forms part of the government’s wider infrastructure development agenda aimed at improving connectivity in rural and semi-urban areas, supporting agricultural value chains, and promoting regional trade.

By investing in key transport infrastructure, the government aims to create employment opportunities during construction while laying the foundation for long-term economic development in Makueni and beyond.

The project is expected to take several months to complete, with local contractors and suppliers benefiting from participation in the construction process.