Kenya, South Sudan in talks over Sh85bn road linking Eldoret, Juba

Kenya and South Sudan are in talks to construct a Sh85 billion road linking Eldoret to Juba to enhance trade between the two countries.

Speaking at his office after meeting with Ministry of Roads and Bridges’ officials from South Sudan, Kenya’s Roads’ minister Franklin Bett said the 920 kilometre Eldoret-Juba road is estimated to cost $1 billion (about Sh85 billion).

The minister noted that plans are underway to start the project, once the design is complete and financing is secured from development partners.

The two ministries said they have requested the World Bank to finance the project, which is critical to enhancing trade between the two countries.

“Upgrading of the Juba-Nadapal-Eldoret road is critical to success of integration and growth of trade between the two countries and the region as a whole,” Mr Bett said.

Detailed design consultancy has been concluded on the South Sudan side, but the same is to be completed on Kenyan side by April 2013.

Once the final design is completed, it will be presented to the World Bank.

Mr Bett further said the governments of Kenya and South Sudan have requested the World Bank to play the leading role in seeking syndicated funds as this is a priority project that needs fast tracking.

“In view of the fact that the road is over 960 kilometres, and of the huge investment required, the two ministries requested for a joint meeting with the World Bank Project Identification Mission to urge the bank to continue its lead and coordinating role in seeking syndicated financing for the project,” Mr Bett said.

Procedures and mechanisms for upgrading of the road will be premised on the Arusha-Namanga-Athi River road.

The road would have a one-stop border post at Nadapal, axle load facilities and social amenities like boreholes and security outposts.

South Sudan minister for Roads and Bridges, Mr Gier Aluong, said the country’s citizens (South Sudan) have put the government under pressure to upgrade the road network, which has immense social, economic and geopolitical importance.