Aerial view of some of the graders and tractors launched by Governor Wavinya Ndeti to roads in the County. Photo Courtesy 
By Andrew Mbuva
The Machakos County Government has unveiled a new fleet of road construction equipment in a move set to accelerate rural connectivity and boost economic activity across the county.
Governor Wavinya Ndeti launched the machinery on Wednesday at Lilongwe Grounds in Mutituni Ward, describing the initiative as a decisive step in transforming livelihoods “from the grassroots upwards” .
Speaking during the launch of the enhanced Barabara Mashinani programme, Governor Ndeti said improved roads are the backbone of food security, trade, education and healthcare.
She noted that poor access roads have for years constrained farmers, traders and service delivery, but that her administration was determined to reverse the trend through sustained investment in infrastructure.
The newly acquired fleet comprises 10 brand-new graders, two high-performance rollers and a heavy-duty wheel loader. According to the Governor, the equipment will allow the county to undertake road works in-house, reducing overreliance on contractors and saving millions of shillings that will be redirected to public services.
Since the inception of the Barabara Mashinani programme, Machakos County has graded more than 3,158 kilometres of roads, carried out routine maintenance on 140 kilometres of bitumen roads, and improved drainage, murraming and re-gravelling in several areas. Governor Ndeti said the new machinery would significantly expand this capacity, ensuring roads remain motorable throughout the year.
She highlighted ongoing and completed projects, including the tarmacking of key road sections in Yatta, Kathiani and Mavoko sub-counties, as well as recently commissioned urban roads in Mlolongo. Additional upgrades are planned across rural and urban areas, supported by partnerships with the Kenya Roads Board and the Kenya Urban Support Programme.
Governor Ndeti emphasized that roads are more than infrastructure, describing them as lifelines that enable mothers to reach hospitals, students to attend school with dignity, and farmers to deliver produce to markets on time. She directed the Department of Roads and Transport to safeguard and efficiently utilize the new equipment, reminding officials that the machinery belongs to the people of Machakos.
Reaffirming her administration’s commitment, the Governor announced plans for a long-term Roads Infrastructure Master Plan aimed at positioning Machakos as a key gateway for commerce in Kenya. “We are not just moving gravel,” she said. “We are paving a path to dignity and opportunity for our people.”
