After years of dust, delays and frustration, hope is rising among residents and businesses along the Mamboleo–Miwani–Chemelil–Muhoroni–Kipsitet road following renewed progress on the Ksh16.7 billion infrastructure project.

For decades, communities along the 122-kilometre corridor have endured harsh travel conditions, with choking dust during dry seasons and impassable sections when it rains.

A parliamentary delegation from the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Roads and Transport that inspected the project on June 6, 2026, expressed satisfaction with the pace of work, noting that activity had significantly improved in recent months.

Cynthia Akinyi, a hotel owner in Mamboleo, says that they can finally see light at the end of the tunnel with its completion coming close.

“During the dry season, the dust is everywhere. We clean tables and utensils many times every day. Customers complain and some choose not to stop at all. We have waited for this road for many years and we are happy to finally see progress,” she said.

Boda boda rider John Okumu said poor road conditions have increased maintenance costs and affected transport operators’ earnings.

“The dust affects us every day and damages our motorcycles. When it rains, some sections become difficult to use. A better road will save us money and make transport safer for everyone,” he said.

Parliament on the progress of the project

Speaking during the inspection on June 6, 2026, Kimilili MP and Vice Chairperson of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Roads and Transport Didmus Barasa said lawmakers were impressed by the progress recorded over the last few months.

“We have confirmed that for the last three to four months, the contractor has increased the pace of work because pending bills were paid. We are satisfied that all the contractors handling the different sections of this road will be able to complete the project within the contractual period and possibly even earlier,” Barasa said.

The lawmaker said the committee had also agreed with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and contractors that two bridges along the route would be reconstructed to accommodate the planned four-lane carriageway.

“We have been assured and we have confirmed that the bridges are part of the current contract.” he added.Barasa noted that the road is among key national infrastructure projects being monitored by Parliament to ensure value for money and timely completion.

Impact of the project once complete

He said the project would significantly improve connectivity between Kisumu and neighbouring counties while supporting industrial growth and easing access to Kisumu International Airport.

Kisumu East MP Shakil Shabir described the project as the fulfilment of a dream that residents had pursued for more than two decades.

“We have dreamt about this road for 20 to 25 years. When I was a teenager, this road was very good, but later it became very bad. We have fought for this road through several administrations and today we are seeing it coming to fruition,” Shabir said.

The legislator said the road would transform economic activity along the corridor, stimulate investment and open up new growth centres around Mamboleo and neighbouring areas.

“This road will change our situation completely. It will improve access to the airport, support businesses and create new opportunities for investors. The impact will be enormous,” he said.