Construction of stalled Mamboleo Junction Miwani–Chemelil–Muhoroni road resumes
By Patrick Amimo (PCO)
The construction of the stalled Mamboleo junction - Miwani- Chemelil- Muhoroni- Kipsitet road has resumed after the government resolved funding challenges.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the reconstruction of the road, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the President in charge of performance and delivery management, Mr. Eliud Owalo, confirmed that funding bottlenecks have been addressed.
“The government has now unlocked the funding challenge for the road sector that we have been witnessing over the past two years. All stalled roads in the country will be completed in the not-too-distant future,” Mr. Owalo said.
The 122-kilometre road that is being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) at a cost of Sh15.7 billion is a strategic investment in regional infrastructure and is divided into three lots, executed by China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group Ltd, Sinohydro JV with Grageb Agencies, and H. Young EA Ltd.
Under construction also is the Sh5.2 billion 33.9 kilometer stretch between Mamboleo Junction and Miwani.
The road connects Kisumu, Nandi, and Kericho Counties and serves as a crucial artery in neighbouring regions. It provides access to Kenya’s sugar belt - one of the nation’s key agricultural zones.
The project had stalled but the contractor is now back on site and progressing with work.
“This is a major game-changer. It will unlock the economic potential of the entire sugar belt and boost regional trade. We are happy to report that the contractor is back on site, thanks to recent government payments,” Mr. Owalo noted.
Speaking on site, project engineer Mr. Li Jingang confirmed receipt of payments and pledged swift progress.
“The government has paid us. We are back and committed to delivering quality work for Kenya and Kisumu,” Mr. Jingang said.
Engineer Linet Atieno, from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) echoed the optimism, urging the government to maintain momentum in payment processing.
“We appreciate the government's efforts. Our commitment is to deliver, and we ask for continued fast-tracking of funds to avoid future delays,” she said.
The second lot involves reconstruction of the Sh4.96-billion 43.4-kilometer stretch between Miwani and Chemelil to bitumen standards by Synohydro JV with Gragab Agencies.
The third lot involves reconstruction of 44.7-kilometer stretch between Chemelil to Kipsitet to bitumen standards at an estimated cost of Sh5.7 billion by H. Young EA Ltd.
Once complete, the 122-kilometer Mamboleo Junction–Miwani–Chemelil–
At Kisumu International Airport, construction is underway of a state-of-the-art air traffic control tower and radar systems, aimed at enhancing flight safety, boosting cargo export capacity, and enhancing regional connectivity.
“We envision the airport as a gateway for exporting agricultural and fish produce to global markets,” said Mr. Owalo.
“This is a core part of the Kenya Airports Authority’s masterplan,” he added.
The new tower will offer enhanced visibility, modern communication systems, and increased operational capacity.
Mr. Robert Omusonga, Station Manager, Kenya Civil Aviation Authority, Kisumu International Airport, emphasized its strategic significance.
“This facility places us at the heart of East Africa’s aviation future. It will improve efficiency and position Kisumu as a regional aviation hub,” he stated.
Kisumu International Airport’s modern Air Traffic Control Tower is currently about 90 per cent complete.