Vihiga: The national government, through the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), has allocated over Sh1.64 billion in the past six years to upgrade roads in Vihiga county. The funds have been directed towards converting key murram roads to bitumen standard, aiming to improve the transportation of people and goods throughout the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, KeRRA Regional Manager Eng. Michael Outa highlighted that the projects have faced several challenges during implementation. Eng. Outa revealed that five projects are currently at different stages of physical progress, with four experiencing delays due to late payment to contractors.
Eng. Outa noted that the Ekwanda-Luanda-Esirulo road project, which has progressed to 95 percent completion, was allocated Sh877 million. However, the contractor has yet to receive any payment. Furthermore, the Stendikisa-Luanda road rehabilitation is at 51 percent completion, with the contractor owed over Sh356 million.
The Gisambai-Hamisi-Senende road has reached 96 percent blacktop completion, significantly facilitating the movement of people and goods in the region. Other strategic roads undergoing upgrades include the Mbale-Mbihi-Magada-Wamilabi and the Mago-Mululu-Wangulu roads, which are at 11.33 and 4.20 percent progress, respectively.