Mamboleo-Kipsitet Road to Decongest Kisumu, Boost East Africa Trade

KISUMU, 17th Feb., 2026 – The ongoing reconstruction of the Mamboleo–Miwani–Chemelil–Muhoroni–Kipsitet Road (C674) to bitumen standards is set to become a vital link, not only for local communities but for the East African region at large.

Valued at an estimated total cost of Sh15.7 billion, the 122-kilometre road traverses the agriculturally rich counties of Kisumu, Nandi, and Kericho, and is expected to significantly boost food security, trade, and livelihoods upon its completion.

Interior Security and National Administration Principal Secretary (PS) Dr Raymond Omollo, says that this strategic corridor runs through Kenya’s Nyando Sugar belt area and is experiencing a significant transformation. This aligns with the Government’s strong focus on investing heavily in modern national road infrastructure, in support of the Bottom Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Interior Security PS Dr Raymond Omollo during a previous public event. He highlighted that the main reconstruction covers roughly 63 kilometres of the primary carriageway. Photo Courtesy

In a post on his official social media platforms, Dr Omollo highlighted that the main reconstruction covers roughly 63 kilometres of the primary carriageway. This is complemented by improvements to feeder roads and related sections, bringing the total project length to approximately 122 kilometres.

Dr Omollo is optimistic that the road will provide a seamless link between Kisumu, Nandi, and Kericho counties, dramatically improving regional connectivity.

“It will function as a key bypass, easing congestion within Kisumu City by diverting heavy commercial traffic away from Ahero, while greatly enhancing transport efficiency for sugarcane farmers and other agricultural producers across the belt,” he stated.

Dr Omollo added that the corridor is expected to strengthen Kenya’s regional trade position by serving as a vital transit route for goods destined for Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The construction contract was awarded to three firms: China Railways Tenth Group; Sinohydro JV Company Limited, in partnership with Grageb Agencies; and H-Young East Africa Company Limited, with work commencing in October 2021.

It was divided into three lots including the feeder roads with Lot One which consists of the 33.9km section from Mamboleo Junction to Miwani, estimated at Sh5.2 billion, being undertaken by China Railways Tenth Group, while Lot Two of the Miwani-Chemelil (43.4km) section, estimated at Sh4.9 billion, is being handled by Sinohydro.

The final lot three from Chemelil to Kipsitet, measuring 42.5km and estimated to cost Sh4.96 billion, is being constructed by H-Young East Africa Company Limited. The completion of each lot is interdependent on the progress of the contractors.

According to a statement on H-Young’s official Facebook page, their work began at the intersection 1km towards Chemelil Roundabout from Miwani, passes through Muhoroni, and terminates at its intersection with A12 near Kaitui. The main project road under this lot is approximately 23km long.

The scope also includes the construction of feeder roads: the Muhoroni-Songhor Road (approximately 14km long) and the Junction C35 – Koru Centre link road, including Koru loop and spur roads (approximately 5.5km long).

The ongoing reconstruction of the 122-kilometre Mamboleo Junction-Chemelil-Kipsitet road. Photo Courtesy

Dr Omollo explains that the project’s implementation is backed by the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, which collaborates closely with agencies like the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) and local leaders. This partnership aims to ensure a safe construction environment, efficient on-site coordination, and smooth community engagement along the project area route.

“This whole-of-government approach underscores the national commitment to infrastructure development as a catalyst for economic growth, regional integration, and improved livelihoods across the country,” Dr Omollo stressed.

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