Work Resumes on Sh15.7bn Mamboleo–Muhoroni Highway

Construction on the long-stalled Mamboleo-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet highway has officially resumed, following the release of long-awaited government funding. 

The 122-kilometre road, which cuts across four counties—Kisumu, Kericho, Nandi, and Nyamira—is being touted as a critical link for regional trade and a lifeline for the country’s ailing sugar belt economy.

The project, valued at Sh15.7 billion, had previously stalled due to financial constraints. However, during an inspection tour on May 8, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the President, Eliud Owalo, confirmed that the money issues had been resolved and that the project was back on track.

“The government has now unlocked the funding challenge for the road sector that we have been witnessing over the past two years,” said Owalo. “All stalled roads in the country will be completed in the not-too-distant future.”

The highway is being constructed in phases by three separate contractors, under the oversight of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). The first phase covers a 33.9-kilometre stretch from Mamboleo Junction to Miwani at a cost of Sh5.2 billion. 

Phase two will involve 43.4 kilometres from Miwani to Chemelil, budgeted at Sh4.96 billion. The final leg spans 44.7 kilometres from Chemelil to Kipsitet.

KeNHA officials have welcomed the development, terming the return to work as timely and important for the project to succeed. Linet Atieno, a KeNHA spokesperson, expressed optimism but emphasised timely disbursement of funds to ensure continuity.

“We appreciate the government’s efforts. Our commitment is to deliver, and we ask for continued fast-tracking of funds to avoid future delays,” said Atieno.

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The road is expected to be a major driver of socio-economic growth in western Kenya, improving the transport of goods such as sugarcane and other agricultural produce, while also easing movement for local communities.

According to Owalo, the highway’s completion is a “game-changer” for the region. “It will unlock the economic potential of the entire sugar belt and boost regional trade,” he remarked.

The update follows a recent meeting between Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir and contractors involved in national road works. The CS praised contractors for returning to site and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upgrading infrastructure across the country.

“This initiative holds significant promise for improving transportation across the country, enabling Kenyans to experience more efficient and seamless connectivity,” Chirchir said.

He also noted that the project’s resumption would have a ripple effect across the economy: “The resumption of work will significantly contribute to increased employment opportunities across the sector—from direct employment by the projects, to service providers or suppliers to the contractors and their employees.”

The Mamboleo-Kipsitet highway has long been viewed as a strategic corridor linking key economic zones in western Kenya. With the funding hurdle now cleared, the road’s construction is set to inject new momentum into the region’s infrastructure agenda.

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