Bungoma to get facelift ahead of Madaraka Day fete

Ongoing construction works on the Misikhu-Brigadier road. [File, Standard]

Key roads in Bunguma town are earmarked for major facelifts before the Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1.

The national government has set aside funds to upgrade roads, Matulo airstrip among other infrastructure.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, who toured Bungoma county Wednesday said this is part of a broader plan to construct more than 600 kilometers of roads in the region. 

"Among the roads slated for improvements in time for the Madaraka Day festivities are the Matulo airstrip access road, Makutano River Khalaba (White Rose) Road and Bungoma River-Khalaba Road, all of which will be upgraded to bitumen standards," Murkomen said. 

The CS noted that the construction of the roads, overseen by the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), and Kenya Urban Roads (Kura), is progressing well to ensure seamless transport during Madaraka Day celebrations. 

Murkomen disclosed that KeNHA was engaged in various road projects, including the maintenance of Mayoni-Bungoma-Kanduyi and Webuye-Kitale roads. 

He announced plans to repair the damaged Malakisi bridge and approach roads, emphasizing their importance in enhancing connectivity and economic growth. 

The CS said Kura will upgrade 28 kilometers of urban roads in Bungoma, Kimilili, and Webuye towns, with an additional 30 kilometers slated for improvement in the next fiscal year.

Murkomen underscored the importance of infrastructure development in boosting key sectors such as commerce, tourism and agriculture. 

Furthermore, the CS assured of the government's commitment to enhance rural connectivity, with 264 kilometers of rural roads currently under construction at a cost of Sh9.3 billion. Notable among these projects is the ongoing construction of the Lwakhakha Border Post road, aimed at boosting trade and easing congestion. 

Murkomen further announced plans to introduce passenger trains linking Nairobi to various destinations, complementing the existing cargo train services between Naivasha and Malaba.  

He cited ongoing efforts to modernise railway infrastructure, including the replacement of steel sleepers with more durable concrete ones along the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). 

The CS reiterated the government's commitment to transform Bungoma county into a major transport hub to stimulate economic growth and job creation in the region.