World Bank to construct mega road along Lake Victoria shores

Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed that a World Bank funded US$ 410m ring road along Lake Victoria shores is set to be constructed.The ring road along Lake Victoria shores is aimed at improving access to the lake shores.

KeNHA Special Projects Manager Kefa Seda said that the new road construction project is designed to measure 450km.

He added that mega road will start from Bumula in Busia County and will end at Muhuru Bay.

“From Busia County, the road will cross to three places before it ends, that is; Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay and will finally come to an end at Migori County. At present, we are conducting the feasibility studies and holding stakeholders forums regarding the alignment of the proposed road.”

The consultant is expected to come up with a detailed and good design of the proposed project by end of this year and also once the World Bank disburses the funding then the tendering process will begin.

“The consultant we have engaged in will come up with a detailed design of the project by December this year, however, the process of securing funds for construction is ongoing with the World Bank and once approved, the tendering process for works will commence immediately,” he explained.

This initiative will improve and develop more access to the shores at Lake Victoria. World Bank says the lake has tremendous socio-economic potential.

The road is also anticipated to speed up free flow of goods and services across specific five counties. This will in turn provide fast connectivity to the rest of the Kenya’s national road network. Consequently this will stimulate economic growth in the region.