The Kenya National Highways Authority has resumed works on the Mamboleo–Miwani–Chemelil–Muhoroni–Kipsitet Road. The project covers a 122-kilometre corridor across Kisumu, Nandi and Kericho counties.
Officials describe it as a key upgrade for the Western Kenya sugar belt. The road is built to dense bitumen macadam standard to handle heavy commercial traffic from factories at Miwani, Chemelil and Muhoroni.
Tarmacked scction /Handout
The route starts at Mamboleo junction near Kisumu and runs eastward through Miwani, Chemelil and Muhoroni before reaching Kipsitet. It forms part of the broader effort to improve connectivity in the sugar-producing region.
One major function is to serve as a bypass. Heavy trucks heading between Nairobi and Western Kenya can divert away from Ahero. This shift is expected to reduce congestion inside Kisumu City and ease pressure on alternative routes through Awasi.
Section with hevvy earthworks /Handout
Motorists and transporters stand to gain from shorter travel times and lower fuel and maintenance costs. Farmers and traders moving cane, sugar and other goods will also benefit from more reliable passage.
The project had stalled for months due to funding shortfalls. Recent release of infrastructure funds allowed contractors to return to site. KeNHA is overseeing implementation across three lots.
Lot 1 covers Mamboleo to Miwani. Lot 2 runs from Miwani to Chemelil. Lot 3 stretches from Chemelil through Muhoroni to Kipsitet, with additional feeder roads included in some sections.
Asphalt quality /Handout
Contractors include China Railways Tenth Group on early lots and H Young & Co. on the Chemelil–Muhoroni–Kipsitet section. Progress varies by lot, with some areas advancing steadily since resumption.
The State Department for Internal Security and National Administration is supporting coordination. Agencies are working together on site security, traffic management during works and community engagement along the corridor.
Local leaders and residents have welcomed the return of activity. Many had complained about the long delays that left sections in poor condition. The upgraded road is expected to boost trade and economic activity across the three counties.
Movement on site /Handout
Past bottlenecks made the longer Kericho–Kisumu route via Awasi more popular despite extra distance. Once complete, the new corridor should offer a direct and smoother option for both commercial and private traffic.
KeNHA continues to monitor quality and pace. Officials have urged contractors to maintain momentum so the full benefits reach users without further setbacks.
The road forms part of wider government investment in Western Kenya infrastructure. Similar projects in the region aim to open up agricultural zones and improve links to markets and ports.
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For now, sections remain under construction. Drivers are advised to watch for ongoing works, diversions and reduced speeds in active areas.
Completion will mark a significant step for regional connectivity. The corridor is designed to support both daily commuter needs and the heavy logistics of the sugar in
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