By Remny Butia
Tinderet Constituency, an agricultural hub with diverse agroecological zones, remains one of Kenya’s most underserved regions in terms of infrastructure and economic development. The Timboroa-Meteitei-Kopere Road (D340), the only tarmac road in the constituency, is a critical artery connecting residents to the Eldoret-Nairobi Highway (A104) and Kisumu County. Despite its importance, the road’s construction has been marred by delays, incomplete works, and budgetary discrepancies, leaving Tinderet’s residents frustrated and economically marginalized.
Historical Context and Delays
The road’s construction history dates back to early 80s and 1996-2001, when ISSACO Company was awarded the contract. However, work abruptly stopped midway, leaving only a section between Taptengelei Center and Meteitei Secondary School partially completed. The remaining stretch to Timboroa was never recarpeted, and the road deteriorated rapidly, lasting less than five years .
In 2015, the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) advertised a tender for the road’s construction under the Low Volume Seal Roads (LVSR) program, with a budget of KSh 900 million allocated for 30 km far less than the actual 49.2 km required to link Timboroa to Kopere. Residents raised concerns that the tender only covered construction up to Maraba (30 km), leaving the rest of the road untouched .
Recent Developments and Funding
Recent reports indicate progress. In 2024, the government secured a KSh 2.6 billion loan from the China Development Bank (CDB) specifically earmarked for upgrading roads including the Timboroa-Meteitei-Kopere Road, along with access roads to public institutions . This suggests that construction may finally begin in earnest, though an exact start date remains unclear.
Earlier last year, Hon. Julius K. Melly, Tinderet’s MP, confirmed inspections by a new contractor assessing material sources and camp locations for the project in Kapsoen, Taptengelei. This signals preparatory work, but full-scale construction has yet to commence. This is after shoddy work done by Sobetra International.
Why This Road Matters
- Economic Lifeline – Tinderet is an agricultural powerhouse, producing tea, maize, and dairy. A proper road would reduce post-harvest losses, lower transport costs, and open markets.
- Banking and Services – Tinderet is the only region **without a banking facility, forcing residents to travel long distances for financial services. Improved roads could attract banks and businesses.
- Safety and Connectivity – The road’s poor state, coupled with colonial-era single-lane bridges (some near collapse), poses safety risks. A complete upgrade would enhance mobility and reduce accidents .
- Regional Integration – The road links to major highways, facilitating trade between Eldoret, Nairobi, and Kisumu, boosting commerce.
Call to Action
While funding is now available, transparency in tendering and adherence to the full 49.2 km construction – not just partial segments – are crucial. Residents must hold leaders accountable to ensure:
- The entire road is tarmacked to meet the required bitumen standards, not just sections.
- Bridges are upgraded to modern standards.
- Construction begins without further delays.
The government must prioritize this project to unlock Tinderet’s economic potential. As of April 2025, the road remains in the planning phase, but with the allocated funds, work should begin imminently.
Tinderet’s future depends on this road – it’s time for action.
