Kisumu-Kakamega Highway completion could take longer time

The completion of the Kisumu-Kakamega Highway looks set to take a longer time after the Kenya National Highways Authority suspended the works due to financial constraints.

The progress on the dual carriageway remains at 96.4 percent, with only a few sections left to complete.

The 10 Engineering Group, which was awarded the tender last year in November, has since pulled out. The contractor is currently suspended due to outstanding payments, according to the KeNHA deputy director for corporate communication Samwel Kumba.

The challenge has been the lack of adequate budgetary support to complete the project, said Mr Kumba.

The project was suspended for the third time due to financial changes.

The first tendering of the highway was initially awarded to Israel contractor SBI International Holdings AG Kenya but was later withdrawn due to delayed payments.

It was handed over to China Railway No. in November. 10 Engineering Group.

The authority is working with government agencies to set aside funds under the project to allow payment of the contractor all outstanding amounts so that the project continues, he said.

He said that the works could be completed in three months if the weather permits and an adequate budget are provided. The construction of the eight-kilometre Kisumu Boys Roundabout Mamboleo junction was jointly funded by the World Bank and the national government at a cost of Sh 2.6 billion flopped after donor funding was exhausted before the completion of the project.