The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has resumed the construction works on the Ksh15.7 billion Mamboleo Junction-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Highway. This road project had stalled due to insufficient funds.
According to the Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, who spoke during an inspection tour of the 122 kilometre project on Thursday, May 8, clarified that the funding shortage on the road project had since been addressed.
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Mamboleo Junction-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Highway Project Factsheet
Length: 122 kilometers
Implementing agency: Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA)
Total estimated cost: Ksh 15.7 billion
Funding: National Treasury
Contractors:
- Lot 1 (Mamboleo Junction – Miwani): China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group Ltd (33.9 km, Ksh 5.2 billion)
- Lot 2 (Miwani – Chemelil): Sinohydro JV with Grageb Agencies (43.4 km, Ksh 4.96 billion)
- Lot 3 (Chemelil – Kipsitet): H. Young EA Ltd (44.7 km, Ksh 5.7 billion)
Commencement date: October 2022
Expected completion: The entire 122 km is expected to significantly boost mobility, trade, and economic integration upon completion. Individual lot completion timelines may vary.
All Stalled Road Projects to be Completed Countrywide
Additionally, he highlighted that the government recently released adequate funds that would be used to cater for the construction of all stalled roads across the country. He also added to this by saying that all stalled roads in the country would be completed in the not-too-distant future.
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“The government has now unlocked the funding challenge for the road sector. This challenge has been a crisis over the past two years. Furthermore, all stalled roads in the country will be completed in the near future,” Owalo said.
Also, according to Owalo, the construction of the highway was slated to be a crucial game-changer in the region. This is because it would unlock the economic potential of the entire sugar belt and boost regional trade.
First Phase of the Project
The first phase of the highway project, which is currently under construction, is the 33.9-kilometre stretch between Mamboleo Junction and Miwani. This section alone is expected to cost Ksh5.2 billion.
Second and Third Phase
Furthermore, the second phase of the project will entail the construction of the 43.4-kilometre stretch between Miwani and Chemelil. This highway section is expected to cost Ksh4.96 billion. Lastly the third phase of the highway project will entail the construction of a 44.7-kilometre stretch between Chemelil and Kipsitet.
Significance of the Mamboleo Junction-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Highway Project
The Cabinet Secretary of Transport Davis Chirchir noted that the resumption of road construction projects indicited a renewed commitment to enhancing Kenya’s general road network infrastructure.
“This road initiative holds significant promise for improving transportation across the country. Additionally, it is expected to enable Kenyans experience more efficient and seamless connectivity,” the CS commented.
He went on to add, “The resumption of work will significantly contribute to increased employment opportunities across the sector. Employment will range from direct employment by the projects, to service providers or suppliers to the contractors and their employees.”
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