Road rehabilitation works along the Mamboleo–Miwani–Chemelil–Muhoroni corridor are steadily progressing, with the government expressing confidence that the multi-billion shilling project will be completed by July next year.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing works on Friday, May 8, 2026, at Mamboleo, Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) Nyanza Regional Director Engineer Frederick Oyuga said the project is part of the larger Kisumu–Muhoroni–Kipsitet road upgrade aimed at improving transport, boosting trade, and easing movement within the sugar belt region.

According to Oyuga, the road project has been divided into three lots to speed up implementation and spread construction risks among different contractors.

The 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, bringing the total project length to about 44 kilometres, including spur roads.

He noted that 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.

Oyuga explained that although the project began in 2021, progress was slowed by funding challenges that affected contractors’ operations.

However, he said the situation has since improved after the government secured financing through the securitisation of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund, enabling works to resume at full pace.

“The President has already assured Kenyans that the contractors will complete the works. We are confident that by July next year, this project will be complete,” said Oyuga.

The road’s significance

He added that the road is expected to significantly transform transport and economic activities within the region, particularly because it passes through the agriculturally rich sugar belt that hosts major industries and 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.

“Instead of motorists using the Kericho–Ahero route, they will now pass through Chemelil and directly access Kisumu. It is a shorter and more convenient route,” he said.

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.

Oyuga further assured 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 Engineer’s remarks

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

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

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,” she added.

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

Locals’ reaction

One resident 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,” said the resident.

Another resident from Chemelil said the project will also bring relief from dust that has for years affected businesses and homes located along the busy road.

“Dust has been a major problem here, especially during the dry season. Once the road is complete, dust will be a thing of the past and business people will also work in a better environment,” the resident said.

Kajulu Ward Member of County Assembly Ben Adega praised the progress of the project, saying it will open up business opportunities and improve economic activities for local residents.

“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, the MCA called on contractors to fast-track Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects promised to the community, including the construction of an accident and emergency block near Mamboleo Market and 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.