The Kenya Kwanza administration has stepped up its infrastructure agenda with the launch of the Kisii By-Pass Phase II project, part of a wider national programme to modernise transport networks and unlock economic growth.
The project, overseen by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), involves upgrading a 14.62-kilometre stretch from Kegati in Kisii to Omogonchoro in Nyamira from earth to bitumen standard.
Officials say the project will ease congestion in the fast-growing town of Kisii, improve traffic flow between Kisii and Nyamira counties, and enhance regional trade and agricultural markets. The by-pass is also expected to improve access to schools, hospitals, and other social amenities, providing tangible benefits for residents and businesses alike.
The project comes amid a renewed push by the government to accelerate road development across the country, reflecting President William Ruto’s stated ambition to deliver modern infrastructure as a foundation for economic transformation. Roads account for over 80 per cent of passenger and freight transport in Kenya, and investment in their expansion and maintenance has become central to policy priorities.
In recent years, the government has launched a string of new road projects under the stewardship of KURA, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA). These include the Nairobi Expressway, which has eased movement through the capital, as well as upgrades to arterial routes linking key agricultural and commercial hubs in the Rift Valley, Coast and northern regions.
The roads agenda is seen as critical to boosting productivity in agriculture — still the country’s largest employer — by reducing post-harvest losses and lowering the cost of getting produce to markets. At the same time, improved connectivity is expected to bolster Kenya’s competitiveness as a trade and investment destination, particularly as the country seeks to position itself as a regional logistics hub within the East African Community.
Funding constraints, however, remain a challenge. Kenya’s debt burden has limited fiscal space, and officials have increasingly turned to a mix of public-private partnerships, concessional loans, and targeted budget reallocations to sustain the pace of road construction. Analysts note that prioritisation will be key, with pressure mounting to ensure that flagship projects translate into measurable economic benefits.
The Kisii By-Pass Phase II reflects this balancing act. Located in a densely populated and commercially vibrant area, the road has been identified as a high-impact investment with potential to ease urban pressure and support growth in neighbouring counties. By diverting heavy traffic away from Kisii town centre, authorities expect to reduce travel times and cut transport costs for businesses transporting agricultural produce such as bananas, tea and dairy products.
Across the country, similar schemes are being rolled out with the aim of knitting together Kenya’s fragmented road network. From urban bypasses designed to decongest major towns, to rural access roads intended to connect farmers to markets, the government’s programme underscores its conviction that infrastructure will provide the backbone of long-term growth.
For Kisii and Nyamira counties, the by-pass project is more than a transport upgrade; it is a bet on the economic promise of western Kenya and a signal of the government’s determination to extend its roads agenda beyond the capital and into the heart of productive regions.
