Nyanza road projects revived after Ksh.120 billion levy securitization deal

Service roads at the Mamboleo interchange, which had stalled for years, have now been completed, with a Ksh.400 million payment kickstarting works along the Mamboleo, Miwani road.

However, some motorists have called for the publication of clear timelines for the completion of the remaining sections.

The dust that carpeted the 74-kilometre stretch of the Sindo, Magunga, Sori road is slowly settling as the roar of machinery returns after a ten-year lull.

"I want to encourage you China Civil to do your best. This road has been a challenge, but payment of certificates will not be a problem going forward because we have sorted out the issue of pending bills by applying innovative fundraising to ensure that we build our economy," Transport CS Davis Chirchir stated.

By the end of 2025, about 311 kilometres of road across six counties in the Nyanza region had been completed.

Ongoing works include the 122-kilometre stretch from Mamboleo to Kipsitet, the installation of a 200-metre steel bridge at Dhogoye in Siaya County, as well as upgrading to bitumen standards of the Agolo Muok Kogore road in Homa Bay County.

The Mamboleo interchange, which had been an eyesore for years, is also getting a facelift after the government released funds to offset the construction of service roads and install road safety markers.

"The major stalled works were the service roads. Parts of the overpass were not complete, the section was also dark, but with such securitization we have been able to have the contractors come in," stated Eng. Michael Orege, Corridor D Director, Kenya National Highways Authority.

"Tunaona taa ziko hapa lakini hawajamaliza, hapa ni giza tu siku na ni sokoni. Tunaomba serikali kama wanaweza weka taa watu wekee taa," stated Mary Rombo, trader, Kisumu.

The stretch along the Mamboleo, Miwani, Kipsitet road, however, still stands out, with vehicles manoeuvring through dust-filled sections.

The work, which began in 2022, had stalled after the government failed to fully settle the initial Ksh.4.9 billion project cost.

"The government last week paid a total of Ksh.443 million to the contractors and works have resumed. In the first lot we have two kilometres of blacktop, lot two as well, and then the last section contractor will start in the next few weeks," stated Eng. Fredrick Oyuga, Regional Director, Kenya National Highways Authority.

With the Cabinet approving the securitization of an additional Ksh.5 per litre to raise Ksh.120 billion for the completion of road projects, the region is set to revive itself as a key hub for business through improved movement of goods such as fish and fresh produce.