Kisii Town is set for a major road infrastructure upgrade after the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) announced plans to upgrade approximately 5.5 kilometres of urban roads to bitumen standards.
The proposed works are contained in an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) public consultation questionnaire issued as part of preparations for the project.
The planned upgrade comes at a time when most roads within residential estates in Kisii Town are in a deplorable state, with motorists and residents grappling with potholes, muddy sections, drainage problems and impassable stretches, particularly during rainy periods.
Residents have for years raised concerns over deteriorating estate roads, saying the poor condition of the network affects transport, businesses and access to homes, schools and other essential services.
KURA, a State corporation under the Ministry of Roads and Transport, said the proposed project is aimed at improving urban mobility through the construction, development and maintenance of urban roads.
Five roads have been identified for the proposed upgrade.
They include the Nyaboke Flats–Kisii Eye Hospital–Genesis Pri Sch–Soko Mjinga Road, covering approximately 1.6 kilometres; Nyanchwa Hospital–Nyanchwa SDA–Equator Road, measuring 1.3 kilometres; and the Nyanchwa Police Station–Getembe Secondary School Road, covering 0.5 kilometres.
The other roads are the Soko Mjinga–Nubia Hall Road, measuring 0.5 kilometres, and the Stay Okay–Betterliving SDA–Getembe Secondary School Road, covering approximately 1.6 kilometres.
KURA said the proposed project is being subjected to an environmental and social impact assessment process, which includes public consultation.
The consultations are expected to provide an opportunity for residents and other stakeholders affected by the proposed works to raise concerns, provide views and make recommendations on the project.
The planned road improvements are expected to enhance connectivity within Kisii Town, ease movement for motorists and pedestrians and improve access to key facilities, including schools, health facilities, businesses and residential areas.
However, residents are likely to push for the expansion of the programme beyond the five identified roads, given the widespread deterioration of roads in several estates.
Kisii Town’s rapid growth has increased pressure on its road network, with increased traffic and urban development exposing weaknesses in drainage, road maintenance and pedestrian infrastructure.
KURA’s mandate includes the management, development, rehabilitation and maintenance of national urban roads under the Kenya Roads Act, 2007.
If implemented as proposed, the 5.5-kilometre programme could provide a major boost to Kisii’s urban transport network while offering relief to residents who have endured deteriorating roads for years.
The project has also created renewed expectations among residents that more estate roads will eventually be considered for rehabilitation as the town’s infrastructure needs continue to grow.
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