The National Government Delivery Unit (NGDU), has confirmed significant progress across major government projects in Homa Bay County.
Speaking after a comprehensive inspection tour of infrastructure projects in the region, Deputy Chief of Staff- In-Charge of Delivery and Government Efficiency, Eliud Owalo, who led the inspection team noted that most projects are on track, with some nearing completion ahead of schedule.
The Team assessed progress at Kabunde Airstrip, the 67-kilometre Kadel–Pala–Kanyadhiang Road, the Riwa Special Economic Zone, the Homa Bay Town dual carriageway, and the Rusinga Island Ring Road.
Owalo reported that the ongoing Sh216 million expansion of the Kabunde Airstrip is 65 per cent complete. The project has three components, including the extension of the runway to 1.1 kilometres, upgrading of the terminal building and the construction of an apron.
He said the runway extension is largely done, but work on drainage systems, the runway strip and the apron must be finalized before the facility is opened, as required by aviation regulations.
“We have agreed with the project manager and contractor that by December 23, the project will be completely done and the runway ready for utilization by passengers, especially during the Christmas festivities,” Owalo said.
He added that the upgrade will elevate the airstrip from Category D to Category C, allowing it to accommodate larger aircraft for both cargo and passenger services.
This, he said, will position Homa Bay as a key gateway for tourism and agricultural trade, as well as benefiting neighbouring counties, such as Migori and Kisii.
“Homa Bay has major tourist attractions such as the Ruma National Park. The impact of this expansion will be astronomical,” he stated.
Owalo was accompanied by Presidential Delivery Unit Director, Silvance Osele and other senior government officials.
The Team also inspected the County Aggregation and Industrial Park (CAIP) in Riwa, a flagship manufacturing and value-addition project launched at a cost of Sh498 million. The facility is at 60 per cent complete and expected to be operational by early next year.
According to Owalo, the Industrial Park will create employment opportunities, boost agricultural value chains through the reduction of post-harvest losses and improve market access for farmers across the region.
The construction of the three-kilometre dual carriageway in Homa Bay Town, which began in May this year and expected to be complete by May 2026, is also progressing well. However, it is likely to be completed much earlier if works continue at the current pace, said Owalo.
The road is designed to ease the movement of people, goods and services within the town, with Phase Two planned to extend up to Pier.
The inspection also covered the Sh1.3 billion Rusinga Ring Road, a 19-kilometre project described by Owalo as the first tarmac road in the island’s history since independence.
He praised its timely completion, with only minor civil works remaining to be done before commissioning next month. He pointed out that the project offers lessons for future developments, emphasizing the need to engage multiple contractors on long road stretches to reduce delays.
“One lesson from this project is the need to involve multiple contractors on long road sections to speed up delivery,” he said, terming the Rusinga Ring Road, as a game changer that will open-up the Island for tourism and economic growth.
“There are very nice hills here. If the private sector establishes four- or five-star hotels, it will enhance the viability of the Western tourism circuit,” he said, adding that the road will also greatly support agriculture, fisheries, entrepreneurship and trade.
By Sitna Omar
