Residents of Busia county have welcomed Governor Paul Otuoma's decision to engage Kenya National Highways Authority to rehabilitate a section of Busia-Kisumu road to ease movement within the busy border town.
The 5km section being expanded on the shoulders by two metres on either side will include a motorcycle lane, pedestrian walkway and drainage system which will stretch from former governor Sospeter Ojaamong’s office to Korinda junction.
The residents, led by Martin Mukanda, the chairperson of Teso South Boda Boda Sacco, said the rehabilitation is a huge relief to commuters who have always experienced difficulties using the highway.
“Movement along the roads remains hectic considering huge traffic on a very narrow highway. This expansion will reduce the number of accidents that can be avoided,” he said.
Dominic Juma, a trader, said once complete the expansion will have a ripple effect not only for commuters, but also traders who will have an easy time to sell their products.
He further supported the governor for the ongoing demolition of illegal structures that were "suffocating" the town, with some occupying road reserves and public land.
“This act of courage will offer the county government of Busia an opportunity to organise the town properly and even expand revenue streams through parking fees,” Juma said.
Moses Langiri, a motorcycle mechanic, said the unplanned nature of the town has been an eyesore to both residents and visitors.
“The demolition of illegal structures was long overdue. We hope the new planning system will include by-passes and access roads, especially for transit trucks and also better structures for social amenities,” Langiri said.
Roads executive Andrew Meso said they are working closely with the national government road agencies to ensure the county doesn’t miss out on key projects on technicalities.
“Since 2014 to 2021, we missed as a county on the services of Kenya Urban Roads Authority just because we denied them access to our network. I am happy to announce that our engagement is fruitful as they are ready to support us improve urban infrastructure,” Meso said.
To that effect, at least three roads are being rehabilitated. They include the 1km Busia Stadium-Marachi estate road that is primed for Southern by-pass to link Mundika to Busia and Lubiri-Map clinic ring road.
The Roads executive added that Public Works-Alupe road primed for Northern by-pass is also under construction.
Meso said that his office is also engaging the Kenya Roads Board to reclassify urban roads within Malaba Municipality to benefit from Kura services.
“KeNHA has promised us that within a month the trunk road will be complete. Plans to dual the section are in still in the pipeline,” he said.
The Roads executive said that Kenya Rural Roads Authority will also open up most roads totalling to about 200km across the seven constituencies.
“We have centralised our county machineries for repair and to coordinate them for proper usage,” he said.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
