Finance and Economic Planning > CIDP II > CHAPTER FOUR > Spatial Development Framework

An effective transportation network is essential for the improvement of county’s economy. Transport plays a great role in all key sectors of the economy through the flow of goods and human capital, it also links urban areas spurring urbanization. Unfortunately, the transport network is highly inadequate for the county’s mobility needs and competitiveness. This CIDP acknowledges the importance of an integrated transport network in actualizing the development strategies. As at 2017, the county has a total road network of 2,060.64 KM of which 374.84 KM is Bitumen (178 KM is under construction and is expected to be complete by 2020), 1,121.4 KM is gravel surface, and 564.4 KM is earth surface.

The county is naturally divided into three geograhhical areas withfdifaerent economac potential namely:

•The agriculturally rich highlands- This area produces dairy milk, potatoes, horticultural produce and cash crops such as tea.

•The hanging valley- This area hosts the Paragliding tourism and honey harvesting.

•The Kerio valley- This area has a high potential for irrigated agriculture (Kabonon-Kapkamak, Kipchukuku and Tot-Kolowa irrigation schemes), Mango, honey production and hosts Rimoi national game reserve.

The realization of an adequate spatial transport network that interconnects above potential areas to markets is of great importance to ensure economic activities in those areas are fully tapped to improve the livelihoods of the people and economic base of the county. Roads within irrigated agricultural areas need to be in all-weather status to enable farmers transport farm inputs and produce at all times in the year. Roads connecting and within Rimoi national game reserve also need to be all weather to allow tourists access all attractive scenic areas conveniently.

Challenges facing transportation network in the county include; inadequate funding yet the sector require heavy capital investment for the development of effective transportation systems; difficult terrain connecting the three-topographical zone and frequent landslides during the rainy season that render most roads impassable. To enhance transportation network, the county government will; increase funding for road construction and maintenance; construct new roads; expand and maintain existing roads; liaise with other government organizations including KeNHA, KeRRA, KURA, KRB,KFS, development partners and private investors to contribute towards road infrastructure development; the county government will also construct non-motorized transport facilities, improve drainage along the roads and allocate funds for emergency redress mechanisms. Map 6 shows the county’s major road network.

Map e: jajor Road Network the County

Source: County Department of Roads, Public Works and Energy 2018

Transportation Network

Transportation Network