The Kenya Urban Roads Authority(KURA) has completed the 19km Rusinga Ring Road, which traces the island’s shoreline, poised to reshape the economic outlook of Rusinga Island, even before its official commissioning.
Speaking on Tuesday December 9, during the second day of his official tour in Homabay, the Deputy Chief of Staff Eliud Owalo noted that the project is already impacting Rusinga Island’s economic landscape prior to its official launch.
The KSh 1.3 billion project, undertaken by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), forms the island’s first-ever tarmac road and is positioned to unlock significant gains across fisheries, tourism, agriculture, and general market access.
Owalo said the loop, which runs along the island’s shoreline, will allow fisherfolk from multiple beaches to transport their highly perishable catch to markets much faster, reducing losses and boosting household incomes.
“The improved connectivity is expected to turbo-charge tourism by exposing Rusinga’s scenic beaches, rich fish stocks, and its proximity to Ruma National Park to more visitors,” Owalo Stated.
“This is the first tarmac road ever built on this island, and it will undoubtedly be a game changer. Rusinga has beautiful beaches, abundant fish stocks, and its proximity to Ruma National Park will now make it a top tourist destination,” Owalo stated.
The Rusinga Ring Road is also a key segment of the broader 480km Lake Victoria ring-road network, a long-envisioned infrastructure corridor designed to stimulate trade, mobility, and economic activity around the lake region.
The team’s mission was to assess project progress, address bottlenecks, and accelerate initiatives that drive jobs and economic growth.
Among the inspected projects was the Ksh 216 million Kabunde Airstrip Runway Rehabilitation, currently at 65% progress.
The KCAA upgrade is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity and attract new investors to Homa Bay and the broader Lake Region.
In Rachuonyo West, the delegation reviewed the Kadel-Alara-Pala-Kanyadhiang Centre-Kilusi-Opanga-Ramba Roads, a 67km KeRRA network valued at Ksh 4 billion, with a progress rate of 7%.
The roads are designed to open up rural communities and enhance access to markets, schools, health centres, and other vital services across the county.
