By M, KNA
Major road projects across Kisii County are progressing steadily well and most are expected to be completed ahead of schedule, despite earlier challenges.
Speaking during an inspection of ongoing works, Engineer Walter Nyariki, the Resident Engineer overseeing several county road projects, said the flagship project has already achieved significant milestones so far.
The project comprises a network of seven road links in Kitutu Chache North Constituency and is expected to cover a distance of 64.69 kilometres once complete.
According to Eng. Nyariki, approximately 39 kilometres of blacktop have already been laid, translating to over 63 per cent progress, even though only a small portion of the contract time has elapsed.
Construction works began in June 2024 and are scheduled for completion by November 2027, but the current pace indicates the project could be finished earlier than anticipated.
“The contract includes both upgrading and a 36-month maintenance period after completion to ensure durability and quality of the roads,” he noted. The total cost of the project stands at Sh 4.32 billion.
Eng. Nyariki also highlighted progress and challenges in other road projects within the county. One such project, is a network of five links covering 36 kilometres. The project experienced delays which he said were due to financing issues, which forced the contractor to temporarily suspend works.
“Those issues have since been resolved, the contractor is fully back on site. We now expect accelerated progress to ensure timely completion,” he said. The project is valued at approximately Sh 2.36 billion.
In Bomachoge Chache, another major project involving a 77-kilometre road network has recorded notable progress, with 61 kilometres already completed. The works, which initially faced liquidity challenges after starting between 2017 and 2018, are now back on track and are expected to be completed before December 2027.
Similarly, in South Mugirango, the Nyamarambe–Esaka road project, spanning 23 kilometres, has seen about 5 to 6 kilometres of tarmac laid. The contractor is currently on site, with completion also projected before December 2027.
Eng. Nyariki emphasized that road upgrading works are ongoing across all sub-counties, ensuring that every region in Kisii County benefits from improved road infrastructure upgraded to bitumen standards.
Among the major challenges encountered, he said, included the relocation of power lines, many of which were constructed within road reserves due to land encroachment.
However, he said arrangements have been made with Kenya Power to fast-track relocations to minimize delays. The region’s heavy rainfall, experienced for nearly nine months of the year, has also posed challenges, though contractors have adopted innovative construction methods to maintain progress, he noted.
The engineer underscored the economic benefits already being realized by local communities. Improved roads have spurred the growth of market centres, reduced travel time, lowered vehicle operating and maintenance costs, and facilitated faster transportation of agricultural produce.
“Kisii is largely an agricultural region, with subsistence and commercial farming, including tea and coffee. Improved roads mean produce reach markets faster, significantly reducing post-harvest losses,” he explained.
He added that improved accessibility to health facilities, markets, and social services aligns with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, contributing to rising land values and improved livelihoods.
“We anticipate a sustained improvement in the economic status of the people of Kisii County as these projects near completion,” Eng. Nyariki said.