On September 26, 2026, President William Ruto launched a series of infrastructure projects in Taita-Taveta County, including the construction of a modern market and a 385-unit Affordable Housing Project in Wundanyi town. During his visit, Ruto inspected the 57km Bura-Mto Mwagodi road in Mbale, Wundanyi Constituency, one of several road projects being undertaken in the county. The President announced a Sh15 billion allocation for road improvements in Taita-Taveta County, aiming to speed up stalled projects and enhance connectivity in the region.
The Bura-Mto Mwagodi road, estimated to cost Sh2 billion, had remained incomplete for nearly a decade. Once completed, the road is expected to provide a better connection between Wundanyi and the Voi-Taveta-Holili highway, improving movement for residents and supporting access to markets. The road forms part of the larger Mto Mwagodi-Dawida-Mbale-Wundanyi-Bura Junction project, measuring 55km with a contract value of about Sh2.17 billion, according to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority.
Stecol Corporation is listed as the contractor for the Mto Mwagodi-Dawida-Mbale-Wundanyi-Bura Junction project. However, the project has faced delays since its launch in November 2021, when its cost was placed at Sh2.2 billion. The matter was raised in Parliament, with the Senate considering a statement in May 2026 over the delayed completion of the Mto Mwagodi-Mbale-Wundanyi-Werugha-Mgange-Bura road.
During his visit to Wundanyi, Ruto expressed concern about the condition of another road after inspecting it himself. The President said he had earlier been assured that the road was in good condition, only to find a different situation on the ground. Ruto committed to ensuring that money was made available, a contractor selected, and construction started within one month.
The Bura-Mto Mwagodi project is among several infrastructure works being pursued across Taita-Taveta County. State House said construction was also continuing on the 60km Illasit-Rombo-Njukini-Taveta road, which provides a link between Taita-Taveta and Kajiado County. About 20km of the road had been completed, while construction of the Cess-Lake Jipe road was also underway.
The planned road works are expected to make it easier for people and businesses to move goods and access markets, particularly in the highland areas of the county. Ruto's Sh15 billion announcement comes at the start of his wider development tour of the Coast region, scheduled to cover Taita-Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Mombasa, Tana River, and Lamu counties.
The President is expected to focus on land ownership issues as well as major infrastructure projects during the tour. With the new allocation, the government aims to strengthen connectivity and mobility in Taita-Taveta County, improving the overall quality of life for residents and supporting economic growth in the region.
Key points
- President William Ruto announces Sh15 billion for road improvements in Taita-Taveta County.
- The Bura-Mto Mwagodi road, estimated to cost Sh2 billion, is expected to improve connectivity in the region.
- The planned road works aim to make it easier for people and businesses to move goods and access markets.
