Baringo Residents Push for Sh10 Billion Fund to Open Up Security Roads
Residents of Baringo County are calling for the creation of a Sh10 billion special fund dedicated to constructing and completing key road networks in areas hardest hit by banditry. Speaking during a public participation forum in Marigat town, locals urged the Ministry of Transport to prioritise road projects that would enhance mobility for security agencies and improve access to essential services in the troubled region. The meeting was convened by the National Assembly’s Budget and Appropriations Committee and co-chaired by Baringo Woman Representative Florence Jematia and Nyeri County MP Rahab Mukami.
Participants highlighted several stalled and unconnected security roads that cut across Baringo North, Baringo South and Tiaty, linking the county to neighbouring Elgeyo Marakwet, Turkana, West Pokot, Laikipia and Samburu. Residents said the completion of these routes—including the Kipcherere–Sibilo–Yatia–Kositei and Ashakanin–Kipnai–Lomuker–Arror corridors—would support rapid security response, aid recovery of stolen livestock and revive economic activities in remote villages. Others cited neglected projects such as the Sirata–Mukutani–Ngelecha and Nakuru–Kisanana–Nyimbei–Chemorongion roads, noting that their incompleteness had made patrols difficult and exposed communities to frequent attacks.
The issue of insecurity dominated the discussions, with residents and leaders expressing frustration over stalled government projects meant to enhance safety. Baringo South resident Paul Kipyamat warned that he would seek legal action should the new budget fail to address abandoned roadworks, while speakers from Tiaty stressed the need for better infrastructure, electricity and water systems to spur long-term development. Area MPs echoed the public’s concerns, with Baringo South MP Charles Kamuren urging the government to establish a national programme dedicated to insecurity-prone regions and to provide monthly stipends for National Police Reservists. Baringo North MP Joseph Makilap said some funds in the upcoming financial year would be allocated to restocking livestock lost to raids and supporting vulnerable families.
The legislators assured residents that all the proposals collected during the Marigat forum would be consolidated into a formal report for presentation in Parliament. Committee co-chair Mukami, accompanied by Bahati MP Irene Njoki, said the submissions reflected genuine concerns about safety, mobility and development in Baringo and would guide national budget decisions. Locals expressed hope that a dedicated Sh10 billion road fund would mark the beginning of lasting solutions to insecurity, improved trade opportunities and stronger integration of the expansive county with neighbouring regions.