By Habil Onyango
Road infrastructure is a critical driver of economic development and social connectivity, serving as a foundation for economic growth, trade, and poverty reduction within society.
Good roads enhance access to essential services such as healthcare and education. They reduce transportation costs for goods and services, improve connectivity, and boost regional economic growth and mobility.
Additionally, improved infrastructure increases agricultural productivity and allows for greater workforce mobility, ultimately fostering investment, supporting tourism, and linking rural areas to markets, which enhances the overall standard of living.
However, many regions in Nyanza, particularly in Homa Bay, have been marginalized regarding road infrastructure development for an extended period.
Some areas have never had tarmacked roads since independence, while others have left abandoned projects that were never completed.
To address this gap, the National Government, through the Kenya National Roads Authority (KeNHA), is implementing a Ksh. 27.9 billion, 515 km road infrastructure project in Homa Bay.
This was detailed in a report released by KeNHA, which includes both ongoing projects and new initiatives launched by President William Ruto’s government since he took office.
According to the report, the government has allocated Ksh. 10.9 billion for the completion of 259 km of ongoing road projects and another Ksh. 17 billion for 256 km of new road infrastructure across all seven constituencies.
Additionally, the government has earmarked Ksh. 5.9 billion for road projects in the county for the 2025/2026 fiscal year and settled pending bills worth Ksh. 1.5 billion.
Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Permanent Secretary for Interior Security, stated that the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration has played a key role in facilitating grassroots coordination, community mobilization, and local administration support, which have helped to maintain a stable operating environment and ensure the project runs smoothly while addressing local needs.
For the first time, Suba South, which has gone a decade without a tarmacked road, is set to benefit from the ongoing construction of the 74 km, Ksh. 2.9 billion Mbita-Sindo-Kiabuya-Karungu road, which is being upgraded to bitumen standards.
KeNHA reports that the contractor is already on-site working on Agolo Muok and has dispatched a second set of equipment to commence work on the Sindo-Nyabera road.
The current overall progress is at 36 percent, with 18 km of the project completed.
The PS emphasized that, upon completion, the upgraded road will provide a vital transport corridor linking fishing towns, farmlands, and trading centers along Lake Victoria.
“The project is already transforming the region’s economic landscape. Improved connectivity is boosting trade and market access, allowing farmers and traders to move their produce and fish with ease,” he noted on his Facebook page.
“The road is also enhancing access to schools, health facilities, and government services, which is essential for inclusive socio-economic growth,” he added.
Another significant initiative is the Ksh. 650 million, 10 km dualling project in Homa Bay Town, which has improved the town’s infrastructure.
During his visit to Homa Bay Town last year, President Ruto promised to make Homa Bay the next city.
This project involves widening the carriageway, enhancing the murram layer, and installing pedestrian walkways to improve accessibility, making it the second dual carriageway in Homa Bay after the one in Oyugis Town.
Among the other ongoing projects the government is set to complete are the Kadel-Kilusi-Ramba road (67 km, Ksh. 3.92 billion), the Nyaburu-Oboke-Rangwe road (18 km, Ksh. 984 million), and the Number Karabok-Adiedo road (18 km, Ksh. 925 million).
The 256 km of new projects initiated by the current government include the 50 km Marindi-Magina-Pala Koguta road (Ksh. 3.4 billion), the 38 km Kalamindi Osani-Nyakweri road (Ksh. 2.47 billion), and the 23 km Agolo Muok-Otati-Kogore road (Ksh. 1.98 billion), with 2 percent of the works already commenced.
Other projects include the 11 km Ruga-Lala road (Ksh. 1.16 billion), the 17 km Tonga-Kisaku-Osiri road (Ksh. 1.11 billion), and the Ksh. 550 million, 5 km Mfangano Island ring road, which will be the first bitumen-standard road in the island’s history.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has said through her government lobbying and closer working relationship with the national government, the county has witnessed remarkable development from the national government.
Wanga is one of the key supporters of President William Ruto in Nyanza and in the Orange Democratic movement (ODM) and she has the ears of the president.
David Okiki Kwanya, a resident of Karachuonyo Constituency, expressed his happiness regarding the road infrastructure development in the county attributed to President Ruto.
However, he appealed to the government to address the condition of the main road from Pala to Got Oyaro, which is currently in a dilapidated state.
Okiki, a businessman, noted that the tarmacking of feeder roads has significantly improved business at the shopping centers, allowing for easier delivery of goods compared to the past.
