Road link to S Sudan to boost economy

The Eldoret-South Sudan road link project being undertaken by Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) will promote and facilitate regional economic growth.

Rehabilitation of the road will also be critical to serving the Pokot and Turkana counties in the country, thus easing movement of goods and services.

It is worth noting that when the work is completed, the road, which is part of the international trunk road, is expected to contribute to economic growth through increased trade and better access for the landlocked country to the port of Mombasa.

KeNHA’s initiative of embracing communities living along road construction areas through its Corporate Social Responsibility will enhance, improve and impact the livelihoods of the people along the road development corridor.

An example is that the South Sudan road will see to the construction of road-side markets for pastoralists along Kalobeyei River-Nadapal, Lokitaung-Lodwar, Lodwar-Lokichar and Kainuk Bridge.

However, the locations will be determined during implementation of the project in consultation with the communities.

It is expected that these markets will incorporate slaughter houses and market shades to assist pastoralist communities in marketing their products.

Cattle crossing points will also be identified at selected locations to avoid cattle-vehicular conflict, among other road safety measures.

They will also establish a road accident database and come up with strategies to help to reduce road accidents along the corridor.

With this, the future of Kenya and South Sudan is only looking brighter with the economy of both countries and East Africa set to grow.