For decades, large parts of Tharaka Nithi County remained cut off by poor infrastructure, with rough terrain and neglected roads slowing trade, limiting movement and keeping away investors.

That is beginning to change.

A wave of road projects funded by the national government is reshaping the county, with residents and businesses already reporting improved connectivity, rising land prices and new economic activity.

Among the key projects are the recently tarmacked Chuka–Kathwana Road and the ongoing upgrade of the Kaanwa–Chuka Technical and Vocational College road to bitumen standards.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, during a recent inspection tour of infrastructure projects in Chuka, said the government plans to significantly expand the county’s road network.

“We have managed to revive the economy and we now have money for roads and other infrastructure development across the country. We are going to build 400 kilometres of new roads in Tharaka Nithi County,” said Kindiki.

The Chuka–Kathwana road, which stretches about 30 kilometres, connects several trading centres to Kathwana, the county headquarters. The Kaanwa–Chuka Technical road covers roughly eight kilometres and is expected to improve access to the institution and surrounding areas.

Residents say the projects are already changing movement patterns in the region.

For years, motorists navigating the rocky and poorly maintained roads faced frequent breakdowns and long travel times, making transport costly and discouraging private investment.

“We had serious problems here. This road was bushy, but we are now seeing changes,” Kanga Mbembe, a property dealer, says.

“Traveling on this road was very difficult before, but now things have improved a lot.”

Mbembe said improved infrastructure was beginning to influence the local property market, with investor interest steadily increasing.

“The road projects are progressing well and have improved movement and connectivity. In the past, motorists had problems because of rocks and poor terrain, but now we can drive smoothly because work is ongoing,” he said.

He added that land prices in some areas had started rising as accessibility improves.

The construction works have also created short-term employment opportunities for young people in the area.

Dennis Mwendwa Gitari, 25, said he secured work through the ongoing Kaanwa–Chuka Technical road project together with several other youths from the area.

“I am very happy because I got a job here together with my friends. We are very grateful,” he said.

“As you can see there are many of us here and we get paid, which is something good.”

Residents say the projects could help open up parts of the county that have historically struggled to attract investment due to poor accessibility.

Beyond easing transport, locals believe the improved roads could support trade, education, property development and growth of trading centres across the county.