Preparations for the rehabilitation of the Lesseru-Kitale-Marich Pass-Lodwar-Lokichogio-Nadapal road is at an advance stage, with some design works completed. The road starts from Lesseru and traverses Kitale, Marich Pass, Lodwar and Lokichogio, ending at Nadapal border between Kenya and South Sudan. It covers about 605km.
The poor condition of the road which is considered a major link road along the Northern Corridor prompted the Kenya National Highways Authority to procure the services of three consultants to conduct studies before the start of major rehabilitation work.
Speaking at KeNHA offices, Engineer Paul Omondi said rehabilitation of the section of the road was critical to serving the Pokot and Turkana Counties in the Kenya economy. "This is an international trunk road that will also help in the restoration and development of the South Sudan economy," said Mr Omondi.
"It will promote and facilitate regional economic integration (Sudan-Kenya), direct road access to the port of Mombasa for Sudan's exports and imports without transiting another country, as well as facilitating relief and reconstruction efforts in all sectors in South Sudan."
Kocks Consult (Germany) will cover the first section of the Lesseru-Kitale-Marich Pass section while Egis BCEOM of France is covering the second Marich Pass-Lodwar section. Sheladia Associates Inc (USA) covers the last section spanning Lodwar–Lokichogio-Nadapal and is finalising various crucial documents including the environmental and social impact assessment reports with the expected final assignment to be completed in December next year.
Detailed designs
The scope of services which included feasibility studies, detailed designs and tender documentation cost Sh318million after the World Bank extended a credit amount of $4 million (Sh360 million) back in 2009.
International Development Association, a development arm of the World Bank, has confirmed allocation of $100 million (Sh9 billion) from the country's portfolio and a further $200 million (Sh18 billion) from the regional portfolio for the upgrading of the first and last section of the corridor.
This will come as a relief to the community and transporters who use this road corridor that links with Southern Sudan. When actual work is completed, the road is expected to boost economic growth through increased trade and better access for landlocked countries to the port of Mombasa.
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