Good roads spur business growth in Nyanza

A motorcyclist rides over the newly tarmacked Mbita causeway in Mbita Town, Homa Bay County on March 16, 2017. PHOTO | BARACK ODUOR | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The Sh10 billion Mau Summit-Kisumu Road has spurred businesses.
  • Roads leading to Mbita, Sori and Homa Bay were upgraded to Class B and C by the national government.
  • Other facilities improved are truck parking bay in Nyamasaria and Otonglo along the Kisumu-Busia Road.

Improved roads in Nyanza are helping spur business growth.

The national government has improved roads and now commuters spend less time to transact business and run personal errands.

Transport Principal Secretary John Mosonik said: “This is part of the government’s ambitious 10,000km road network. Nyanza has got its share of paved roads,” Mr Mosonik said in his Nairobi office on Tuesday.

It is now easier travelling from Kisumu to Nairobi or to Homa-Bay, Mbita, Sori and Migori, than it was a few years ago.

The Sh10 billion Mau Summit-Kisumu Road has spurred businesses.

“Awasi market now has improved amenities. We can easily do business and more people stop to buy from us,” said Ahero trader Otieno Owuor.

Roads leading to Mbita, Sori and Homa Bay were upgraded to Class B and C by the national government. This has opened trade between Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

“The road has improved transport,” said boda boda rider Spencer Oluoch on the Kisumu-Ahero road.

Taxi driver Saul Onyango of Kisumu said it was a wonderful gift from the Jubilee government. “Nairobi is now near and one does not get worn out making that long trip,” said Mr Onyango.

In Homa Bay, Tom Ogol, a football administrator said, “In the late 90’s one would get sick by the mere thought of traveling to Kisumu. When it rained, vehicles got stuck for days on the Kendu and Kadel road . That is a thing of the past now.”

The Katito-Kendu Bay, Kendu Bay-Homa Bay, Homa Bay-Sori and Homa Bay to Mbita Roads have all been improved linking the south Nyanza to Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda.

“So far rehabilitation works of Mau Summit– Kisumu Road including the Kisumu bypass and Kisian Road are 99 per cent complete,” said acting Kenya National Highways Authority Regional Manager Joachim Nyamwaro.

Other facilities improved are truck parking bay in Nyamasaria and Otonglo along the Kisumu-Busia Road.