The government has unveiled plans for a major expansion of the Lake Victoria Ring Road project, increasing the length of the strategic transport corridor from 500 kilometres to approximately 612 kilometres following the inclusion of the Kisumu-Busia Highway.
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi announced that President William Ruto has approved the enhanced road network, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity and unlock economic opportunities across western Kenya.
Kisumu-Busia Highway Added to Flagship Project
Speaking on Ramogi FM, Mbadi revealed that the 112-kilometre Kisumu-Busia Highway has been incorporated into the World Bank-funded infrastructure programme, making it one of the key components of the broader Lake Victoria Ring Road initiative.
According to the Treasury CS, the project has grown from six road segments to seven, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening transport networks around the Lake Victoria basin.
“The President has approved the Lake Victoria Ring Road project, and we have already submitted our proposals. The inclusion of the Kisumu-Busia corridor will further enhance the impact of this investment on the region,” Mbadi stated.
Major Boost for Trade and Regional Connectivity
The inclusion of the Kisumu-Busia Highway is expected to have a far-reaching impact due to its importance as part of the Northern Corridor, one of East Africa’s busiest trade routes.
The road serves as a critical link between the Port of Mombasa and several landlocked countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Thousands of cargo trucks, traders, and travelers rely on the corridor daily, making its upgrade crucial for improving the movement of goods and reducing transport costs across the region.
Long-Awaited Infrastructure Investment
The announcement comes shortly after concerns were raised over the deteriorating condition of the Kisumu-Busia Highway, with leaders highlighting the growing number of potholes and safety challenges affecting motorists.
The Lake Victoria Ring Road project has been under discussion for more than a decade and is expected to become one of the largest road infrastructure investments ever undertaken in western Kenya.
Engineering and design works are already underway under the World Bank-supported Lake Victoria Basin Development Project.
Counties Set to Benefit
Other roads earmarked for development under the programme include the Nyagwethe-Sori-Muhuru Bay corridor, the Asembo Bay-Otonglo-Awasi-Katito route, the Port Victoria-Nyamonye-Asembo Bay road, and the Homa Bay-Mbita-Nyagwethe corridor.
Once completed, the 612-kilometre road network will connect Busia, Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Migori counties, creating a seamless transport system around Lake Victoria.
The project is also expected to stimulate tourism, improve access to fishing zones, enhance regional trade, and accelerate economic growth across western Kenya while strengthening Kenya’s trade links with neighbouring Uganda.
