By Seliphar Machoni
The County Government of Kakamega has initiated a project to construct at least 600 kilometers of roads, allocating Sh600 million for this purpose in the 2023-2024 financial year.
According to Governor Fernandes Barasa, “I promised my people that we must take the issue of roads seriously,” as he launched the Shisende-Munyaza-Ibwali road in Ikolomani Constituency.
Governor Barasa’s administration plans to spend Sh600 million on building new roads and repairing old ones across all 60 wards.
He expressed the significance of this allocation, specifically for roads at the ward level, stating, “to ensure our 60 wards have new roads and improve those that need to be upgraded so that we can improve our road infrastructure in all areas, urban or remote, to enhance economic empowerment.”
While launching road construction in Lurambi, Mumias West, and Ikolomani constituencies, Governor Barasa cautioned contractors, saying, “I have given the contractors two months to finish roads under repair and the ones that need murram so that we can open the roads for use.”
He emphasized the need for adherence to timelines, expecting all bitumen roads to be completed within the next six months.
Governor Barasa highlighted the significance of targeted roads in facilitating economic activities and connecting people to key amenities.
He mentioned the launch of the Karibu Kwetu – Ichinga Mosque – Shangusi Junction – Fields of Life Road, which will benefit local sugarcane farmers by ensuring timely transportation of their produce to sugar millers.
Among the roads launched is the Mumias – Matawa – Indangalasia road, set to be upgraded to bitumen, linking Mumias, Matungu, and Ugenya constituency in Siaya County, bridging Kakamega and Siaya counties.
According to Barasa, “This road will play a vital role in connecting the Matawa organic fertilizer manufacturing plant, launched last year, to other parts and facilitate smooth transportation of raw materials, finished products, and labour.”
Governor Barasa also mentioned a pact between the County Government of Kakamega and the US government to construct a multi-billion Kakamega Organic Fertiliser factory, with Regen Organics as the implementing company. The facility aims to create 1,000 jobs and serve residents in 14 counties of the Lake region economic bloc.
In another development, Governor Barasa recently commissioned the launch of the construction of 60 kilometers of roads in Butsotso South- Eshianda C.O.G.
