Barasa sets aside Sh600 million for construction of roads in Kakamega

The County Government of Kakamega has embarked on building at least 600 kilometres of roads under the 10 kilometres per ward roads project.

Governor Fernandes Barasa’s administration will spend Sh600 million to build new roads and repair old ones across all the 60 wards in the 2023-2024 financial year.

Speaking in Ikolomani Constituency after launching the Shisende-Munyaza-Ibwali road, Barasa said the allocation had been released specifically for roads at ward level.

“I promised my people that we must take the issue of roads seriously and on that I have released Sh600 million to ensure our 60 wards have new roads and improve those that need to be upgraded so that we can improve our road infrastructure in all areas, urban or remote, to enhance economic empowerment,” said Barasa.

The governor who has so far launched the construction of roads in Lurambi, Mumias West and Ikolomani constituencies has put lazy contractors on notice, saying he will not sit back and watch his ambitious plan get scuttled.

“I have given the contractors two months to finish roads under repair and the ones that need murram so that we can open the roads for use. Contractors should stick to the timeline and ensure the roads are up to required standards. We expect all bitumen roads to be completed in the next six months,” said Barasa.

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He said some of the targeted roads play a key role in facilitating the economic activities of the county, while others connect people to key amenities like health facilities and learning institutions.

“I have launched the construction of Karibu Kwetu - Ichinga Mosque - Shangusi Junction - Fields of Life road that will significantly benefit local sugarcane farmers by ensuring timely transportation of their produce to sugar millers,” said Barasa.

Other roads launched include; Mumias – Matawa – Indangalasia road which will be upgraded to bitumen. It links Mumias, Matungu and Ugenya constituency in Siaya County thereby bridging Kakamega and Siaya counties.

According to Barasa, farmers in 14 counties that form the Lake region economic bloc will be buying fertilisers at subsidised prices and deliver solid waste at the Sh1.2 billion Kakamega Organic fertiliser factory in Kakamega County

“Therefore improving the road network is key to facilitating the operations of the plant.

“This road will play a vital role in connecting the Matawa organic fertiliser manufacturing plant, launched last year to other parts and facilitate smooth transportation of raw materials, finished products, and labour to and from the facility,” he said.

The County Government of Kakamega and the US government have signed a pact to construct the multi-billion facility with Regen Organics as the implementing company that will see 1,000 jobs created.

The plant will serve residents in 14 counties of Kakamega, Vihiga, Kisumu, Bungoma, Nyamira, Kisii, Homa Bay, Migori, Bomet, Busia, Nandi, Trans Nzoia, Siaya, and Kericho.

Two weeks ago, Barasa commissioned the launch of construction of 60km of roads in Butsotso South- Eshianda C.O.G.