By Habil Onyango
Transportation challenges have long plagued the long-distance road links between Migori and Homa Bay Counties.
The construction of the Mbita-Sindo-Sori road has faced various difficulties, leading some contractors to abandon their work.
For years, Suba South Constituency has lacked a single tarmacked road. However, the ongoing tarmacking of the Mbita-Sori road is set to relieve residents of Suba South who are mainly farmers and fisheremen from transportation burdens, particularly during the rainy seasons.
Currently, efforts are underway to upgrade the 74-kilometer road connecting the two counties from gravel to bitumen standards.
As of late 2025, progress is steady, with the intention of enhancing connectivity, bolstering local economies (particularly in fishing and agriculture), and reducing vehicle operating costs along the Lake Victoria shoreline.
This project spans 74 kilometers, linking Mbita and Sori through Sindo and Kiabuya, and it traverses parts of Ruma National Park.
The estimated cost of the project is Sh2.9 billion. To ensure timely completion, a milestone-based payment method is utilized, with contractors being paid upon the completion of every 7.4 kilometers.
On Thursday, January 22, 2026, Suba South MP Carolly Omondi provided an update on the project, expressing some regret over the slow pace of progress.
“The Mbita–Sindo–Magunga–Sori road was launched on October 7, 2023, by H.E. President William Ruto, and while it is progressing, the pace is slow,” he said.
“I’m pleased to report that we have now completed the first three milestones: the first milestone, Kakomo to Magunga (7.5 km), is completed; the second milestone, Magunga to Olando (7.5 km), is also completed.”
He added that the third milestone, Kakomo to Kiabuya, is already 7.5 kilometers complete, while the fourth milestone, Kiabuya to Agolo Muok, is ongoing and currently 70 percent complete.
“Next is the Nyabera–Sindo–Mbita section, a crucial link that will greatly enhance movement and trade between Suba South and Suba North.
“We thank H.E. the President for his continued support in transforming our region’s economic landscape by improving access to markets for fish and agricultural produce, as well as boosting tourism and blue economy initiatives.” he stated
The completed road is expected to significantly reduce transportation costs, improve access to schools and health facilities, and stimulate investment in the region.
However, the project has experienced multiple, sometimes overlapping, re-launches by various leaders, including Cabinet Secretary for National Treasury John Mbadi, highlighting the high political interest in its completion.
On Friday, January 23, 2026, Mbadi, together with the Treasury Cabinet Secretary David Chirchir, is set to launch the tarmacking of the Koguta-Nyabera road.
The road which connects the main Homa Bay-Mbita and Magunga –Sindo trading center was recently allocated funds for tarmacking.
According to Silvance Osele from the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), the Mbita-Sori road project aims to enhance connectivity and spur the local blue economy, with an expected completion date of 2028.
Osele who is also the former Kabondo Kasipul MP is actively involved in inspecting the project to ensure quality and efficiency.
“The project would also enhance trade, tourism, and access to services. Following the clearing of pending bills owed to the contractor, work resumed on the previously stalled project in late 2024 and early 2025. By mid-2025, about 15-20 percent of the project was reported as complete, with around 15 kilometers already finished,” he stated.
The road is anticipated to facilitate faster transportation of fish and agricultural produce, improving access to schools and health facilities in the region.
Osele has expressed optimism that the new contractor has the capacity to complete the project within the stipulated timeline.
