The Ksh 1 billion Kisumu Dual Carriageway has been revived after the project stalled for two years. The contract was awarded to a new developer after the previous one pulled out in December 2018.
Israel Contractor SBI International Holdings AG (Kenya) withdrew over delayed pay resulting in a suspension of the project.
China Railway No.10 Engineering Group was tasked with completing the project by November 2021. Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) Nyanza Reginal director Cleoohas Makau assured that the contractor is on schedule to complete the eight-kilometre section of the Kisumu Kakamega Highway.
He added that the Kisumu Boys Roundabout –Mamboleo junction will ease travel for commuters to the lakeside.
The project was initially funded by the World Bank in conjunction with the National Government at Ksh2.6 billion but stalled after the money was depleted.
“Due to budget constraints, the government could not proceed with the project and had to look for alternative ways of financing the mega project,” said Makau who wás speaking at the World Engineering Day marked in Kisumu on March 4, 2021.
According to Makau, KENHA seeks to revamp roads in the Western region. The dual carriageway includes the dualling of the Mamboleo-A1 intersection to Great Lakes University, service lanes, pedestrian walkway, and street light provision.
Selected feeder roads to markets and administrative centers will also be constructed.
Once complete, it will promote the movement of passengers and cargo while promoting access to national and regional markets of the Agricultural and Industrial Products in the entire Nyanza & Rift Valley Regions of Kenya. The dualling, loop roads, bridges, and approaches will ensure improved road safety at the railway crossing with no traffic.
Makau further stated that the China Railway No.10 Engineering Group is also undertaking the construction of the Ksh1.3 billion Ahero-Kisii intersection that will be linked to the Kericho Kisumu intersection.
Ksh4.9 Billion had been allocated for the construction of the Kisumu -Chemelil-Muhoronk Road that is subdivided into Mamboleo Junction to Miwani, Miwani to Chemelil, and Chemelil-Muhoroni to Kispsitet Junction.
