Residents of Kisumu are set to reap major transport and economic benefits from the ongoing construction of the Sh16.7 billion Mamboleo – Miwani – Chemelil – Muhoroni – Kipsitet road, whose progress now signals a significant milestone toward completion.
The multi-billion-shilling infrastructure project, long awaited in the region, is steadily taking shape, with authorities expressing optimism that it will be ready by July next year.
According to the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Nyanza Regional Director Fredrick Oyuga, the road has been divided into three key sections to enhance efficiency and mitigate construction risks.
The first segment, covering 12.6 kilometres between Mamboleo and Miwani including a 6.5-kilometre dual carriageway, is currently 24 per cent complete.
The second section, stretching approximately 20 kilometres from Miwani to Chemilil, has reached 34 per cent completion, while the final and longest stretch from Chemilil through Muhoroni to Kipsitet, spanning about 44 kilometres, stands at 22 per cent complete.
Oyuga noted that the project, which commenced in 2021, initially encountered funding constraints that slowed its pace.
However, the challenges have since been resolved with the Government this challenge by coming up with policies and regulations that will see the project funded steadily through the fuel levy fund, guaranteeing a steady flow of financing.
“All contractors are now fully mobilized on site, and works are progressing as scheduled,” he said.
Project engineer Catherine Mwinyi explained that the road is being constructed to higher pavement standards to accommodate heavy commercial traffic, particularly trucks serving key industries such as the Kibos Sugar and Allied Industries, Chemelil Sugar Company and Muhoroni Sugar Company.
She added that the road will function as a critical bypass, offering a shorter and more efficient route for motorists travelling between parts of Nandi, Eriacho and Kisumu Counties, while significantly easing persistent traffic congestion at the busy Ahero Interchange.
Local transport operators are already reporting early benefits from sections under improvement.
Evans Kumba, a matatu operator in Mamboleo, said the previously poor road conditions often led to frequent vehicle breakdowns, disrupting business and increasing maintenance costs.
“The improvements are already easing operations, though we still need street lighting to enhance security, especially at night,” he said.
For traders, the impact is equally promising. Businesswoman Carol Abila, who transports poultry between Nandi and Kisumu, noted that the upgraded sections have significantly improved logistics, reducing delays that previously hampered her operations.
Upon completion, the road is expected to serve as a vital bypass to Kisumu, offering motorists travelling from Nairobi via Chemelil a shorter alternative compared to the longer route through Ahero.
As construction continues, anticipation is growing among residents who view the project as an ideal regional transformation. The road not only promises smother journey but also offers the prospect of stronger business and expands investment opportunities.
The project is expected to only transform transport efficiency in the Lake Region but also boost local industries, enhance regional connectivity and stimulate economic growth across western Kenya.
Under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the Kenyan government aims to construct 28,000 kilometres of new roads over a 10-year period.
This ambitious long-term target includes upgrading 2,500 kilometres of highways to dual carriageways, as well as a specific nationwide goal of 10,000 kilometres for rural access roads.
By Mabel Keya – Shikuku / Robert Onyango
