Mamboleo-Muhoroni Corridor On Track, to Completed by July next year.

The construction works on the Mamboleo–Miwani–Chemelil–Muhoroni corridor is right on track, with the government expecting the multi-billion shilling project to be completed by July next year.

The road project is part of the larger Kisumu-Muhoroni-Kipsitet road upgrade targeted at improving transport, boosting trade, and easing movement within the sugar belt region.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Nyanza Regional Director Eng. Frederick Oyuga said the project has been divided into three lots to expedite implementation and spread construction risks among different contractors.

The project has been assigned to three contractors, with China Railway No. 10 handling the first lot and Sinohydro undertaking the second section, while the third lot is being implemented by Etta Construction.

Eng. Oyuga who spoke during the inspection tour of the ongoing works at Mamboleo, said first section stretches from Mamboleo to Miwani, covering approximately 12.6 kilometres, including a 6.5-kilometre dual carriageway section.

The second lot runs from Miwani to Chemelil for about 20 kilometres, while the final section extends from Chemelil through Muhoroni to Kipsitet, totaling to about 44 kilometres, including spur roads.

“The first lot is currently at 24 per cent completion, while the second lot stands at 34 per cent. The third section has achieved approximately 22 per cent progress,” Eng. Oyuga said.

Although the project began in 2021, he said the progress was slowed by funding challenges that affected contractors’ operations.

However, Eng. Oyuga said the construction has since improved after the government secured financing through the securitisation of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund, enabling works to resume.

President Dr. William Ruto, he said has assured Kenyans that the contractors will complete the works within the stipulated time. “We are confident that by July next year, this project will be complete,” Eng. Oyuga said.

The road is expected to significantly transform transport and economic activities within the region, particularly because it traverses through the agriculturally rich sugar belt, hosting major factories including Miwani Sugar, Chemelil Sugar, and Muhoroni Sugar.

Upon completion, the road is also expected to serve as an alternative bypass route into Kisumu for motorists travelling from Nairobi and western parts of the country, reducing congestion along the Kericho-Ahero highway.

“Motorists will now go through Chemelil and directly access Kisumu instead of using the Kericho-Ahero route. It is a shorter and more convenient route,” Eng. Oyuga said

He further reassured residents that the road is being constructed to high engineering standards, with strict quality control measures in place to guarantee durability and safety.

“We have ensured that only approved construction materials are used. The road structure includes the subgrade, sub-base, and Dense Bitumen Macadam layer to withstand heavy traffic and improve longevity,” he said.

Project Eng. Catherine Mwinyi said the road design was informed by detailed traffic studies conducted along the corridor, which revealed a high number of heavy commercial vehicles operating in the area.

She said that the route serves major industries and upcoming Special Economic Zones expected to generate increased cargo traffic once operational.

“We have many heavy goods vehicles on this corridor because of the industries located here. We are also expecting more traffic from upcoming economic zones and factories such as Kisumu Concrete and sugar industries within the region,” Eng. Mwinyi said.

She explained that engineers considered axle loads and traffic volumes before designing the pavement structure to ensure the road can comfortably handle heavy cargo transportation.

“The Dense Bitumen Macadam currently being laid is specifically suitable for roads carrying heavy goods traffic. Everything concerning loading and traffic safety was carefully factored into the design,” Eng. Mwinyi said.

Locals along the corridor have also welcomed the ongoing works, saying the improved road will improve transport challenges that have affected them for years.

Joash Otieno from Miwani said motorists have frequently incurred huge maintenance costs due to the poor state of the road, especially during rainy seasons.

“This road has really helped us because once it is complete, we will no longer keep taking our vehicles to the garage every now and then because of potholes and the rough surface,” Otieno said.

Mary Awuor, another resident from Chemelil said the project will help reduce dust that has for years affected businesses and homes located along the busy road.

“We have been grappling with dust here, especially during the dry season. When road is complete, dust will be a thing of the past and business people will also work in a better environment,” Awuor said.

Kajulu MCA Ben Adega praised the progress of the project, saying it will ease transport and boost business opportunities and economic activities for locals.

“I am impressed by the construction works and the cooperation between the contractors and the community. The progress is good, and businesses will benefit greatly once the road is complete,” Adega said.

However, he urged contractors to expedite Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects promised to the community. They include the construction of an accident and emergency block near Mamboleo Market.

The other project is the upgrading of a local playing field in Ogunlo. “Most of the work is progressing well, but the CSR projects we agreed upon are yet to begin,” he said.