Bungoma road gets new contractor as Ruto intervenes

President William Ruto, Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka, and Webuye East MP Martin Wanyonyi in Lugulu/PCS

The long-awaited reconstruction of the Misikhu-Brigadier Road is set to commence, President William Ruto has announced.

Speaking in Lugulu during the launch of the Last Mile Electrification Project, President Ruto criticised the previous contractor for delivering substandard work and delaying progress for years.

He assured residents that his government had secured adequate funds and would appoint a new contractor with clear directives to complete the road within record time.

"We have mobilised resources, and there is now sufficient funding for this road. A new contractor will soon be sent to complete the project," the president said.

The president also revealed that the road would be extended from Ndivisi-Lukuki to connect with the Lugulu-Kitale main road, improving regional connectivity.

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, who spoke at the same event, commended the move, describing the road as a longstanding source of frustration for residents.

"People from this region have been deeply concerned about the state of this road. Its timely completion will not only ease their struggles but also boost your prospects for re-election," Governor Lusaka said.

Lusaka noted that while the county government had fulfilled its obligations, the delay from the national government had hindered progress.

Ruto is on a week-long working tour of the Western region. On his itinerary, he is scheduled to visit Bungoma town on Friday to inspect ongoing development projects.

Residents of Bungoma County have been expressing frustration with the slow pace of construction of the Misikhu-Brigadier road.

The 45-kilometer road, a partnership between the national government and the county government of Bungoma, has been under construction since 2016, at a total cost of Sh1.3 billion.

The road connects many farmers to markets where they can sell their goods.

President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration had budgeted Sh1.7 billion towards the completion of the road in Tongaren, Bungoma North.

Despite promises by previous governments, the road remains in a poor state, causing hardship for residents and hindering economic development.