Sh15bn Mau Summit-Kericho-Kisumu road upgrade

The upgrade of Mau Summit-Kericho-Kisumu road is set to open up business opportunities in western Kenya.

Prime Minister Raila Odinga said the Sh14.9 billion road would also boost development in the Great Lakes region.

“The road has never been upgraded since its construction in the 1960s. This has been a challenge as it was designed to address the needs at that time.

“It was only 6.5 metres wide, but today it is being expanded to 11 metres, which will also help reduce road accidents,” Mr Odinga said.

The World Bank and the Government of Kenya are funding the project.
The Mau Summit-Kericho section will cost Sh6 billion, while the Kericho-Kisumu section will cost Sh8 billion.

The upgrade is expected to be complete by July 2013.

The road is part of the greater rehabilitation of the Northern corridor, which runs from Mombasa through Nairobi and Nakuru to Busia.

Mr Odinga was speaking when he commissioned the roadworks.

source: www.nation.co.ke/business/news/Sh15bn road upgrade to spur growth