In a statement on Tuesday, February 17, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said that the government is currently focusing on reconstructing 63 kilometres of the main carriageway before expanding to the rest of the corridor.
According to the PS, key upgrades along the corridor will include complementary works on feeder roads and other associated sections.
The bypass will play a key role in easing congestion within Kisumu city, as well as unlocking the economic potential of the region, especially through agriculture.
"The Mamboleo-Miwani-Chemelil-Muhoroni-Kipsitet Road (C674) is a strategic 122-kilometre corridor cutting across Kenya's sugar belt and is currently undergoing an active upgrade as part of the Government's sustained investment in modern road infrastructure nationwide," Omollo said.
"It will function as a key bypass, easing congestion within Kisumu City by diverting heavy commercial traffic away from Ahero, while greatly enhancing transport efficiency for sugarcane farmers and other agricultural producers across the belt," he added.
Omollo is also optimistic that the corridor will also reinforce the country's trade ties with other countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, by serving as a vital transit route.
The PS assured that the ministry will provide the necessary support to guarantee a secure construction environment, effective coordination on the ground, and smooth engagement with communities along the route.
"This whole-of-government approach underscores the national commitment to infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration, and improved livelihoods across the country," the PS stated.
The announcement follows remarks by the Principal Secretary a day earlier indicating that works to upgrade the Mombasa-Mariakani highway are at an advanced stage and close to completion.
The PS confirmed that the highway will be expanded into a modern dual carriageway to ease congestion in Mombasa and improve cargo movement along the Northern Corridor.
The Ministry of Interior is also supporting the project by helping manage traffic and enforce orderly movement along the corridor, during construction, according to the PS.
"The works include the construction of new bridges, footpaths, drainage systems, and road safety features, with implementation progressing in two sections," he stated on Monday, February 16.
0 Comments