Dualling of Kisumu road set to ease traffic flow

The rehabilitation of the Kisumu airport Kisian road linking with the western region of Busia is on course for completion by the year end 2015.

The road which wholly lies in Kisumu, forms part of the Northern Corridor Transport Improvement Project joining the western part of Kenya with landlocked countries; Congo, Zaire Uganda and Rwanda for purposes of international trade.  

The project which has been funded by the World Bank in partnership with the Government of Kenya through its implementing agency the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has seen funds totallying to Sh2.7 billion being set aside for the rehabilitation of the project road.

The rehabilitation process has seen the section between Otieno Oyoo junction and Obote Road constructed into a single carriageway. The dualling of the stretch between OgingaOdinga and Busia Road leading to the new Kisumu International Airport junction is ongoing as well as the construction of Port road.

Currently the works progress is at 65 percent with the completion date set for November 2015.

The completion of the road project is expected to reduce traffic jam and also provide access from the town at the obote road and otieno Oyoo sections.

The lake side City has undergone a major transformation after the rehabilitation of major roads giving access to and from the city. The project road that initially starts at Nyamasaria, via the Kisumu by-pass to end at the Kisian road junction C27 was also funded jointly by the World Bank and the Government of Kenya.

The scope of works included upgrading the section of the road between Nyamasaria to Ondiek junction into a dual carriageway as well as installation of a new bridge at Nyamasaria. Others include construction of the single bituminous carriageway Kisumu Southern by-pass, starting from Nyamasaria and ending at Kondele (a distance of 3.3km), with overpasses at Nyamasaria and Kondele, Construction for Busia interchange foundation, piers and backfill around the structures which have all been complete

Elsewhere the roads Authority KeNHA, has called for bidders for the construction of dual carriageway along Kisumu Boys roundabout and Mamboleo following a tender advert in the local dailies.

The scope of works will include rehabilitation and reconstruction of 4.6km of A1 to a nominal cross section comprising 7m wide dual carriage way, service roads and footpath tracks.

The project which is under the Kenya Transport Sector Support Project has received a credit from the World Bank to finance the project and is estimated to take 18 Months with a defects period of 12months.

The road infrastructure development in the region over the recent years has been touted as a pillar to boost the economic potential of the region that is rich in fishing, agriculture and tourism. The roads are to further open up the region for development that will enhance fishing and tourism activities in the area.