ODM Communications Director Philip Etale has credited former President Raila Odinga for advocating major infrastructure projects in Western Kenya, following President William Ruto’s announcement of new road and railway upgrades.
President Ruto confirmed that construction of the 170-kilometre Rironi–Naivasha–Mau Summit dual carriageway will commence on November 28, 2025.
The government will simultaneously begin work on the 58-kilometre Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha section. Additionally, the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension from Naivasha through Kisumu, Butere, Bungoma to Malaba is scheduled to start in February 2026.
In a statement on X, Etale noted that these projects were long advocated by Raila Odinga as part of the Broad-Based Government framework.
“The extending of the dual carriageway from Rironi to Mau Summit (Total Junction) and the SGR extension are some of the things Baba pushed for in the spirit of the Broad-Based government,” he said, adding that the developments are expected to transform the economic prospects of Western Kenya.
The Northern Corridor highway, which connects Nairobi to the western counties, has historically experienced heavy congestion, delays, and accidents due to high traffic volumes.
Transport experts say the dual carriageway expansion will improve safety, reduce travel times, and facilitate the efficient movement of goods and passengers across the region.
The SGR extension is seen as a complementary initiative to enhance freight movement and regional trade.
By linking Kisumu and Malaba to the national railway network, Western Kenya producers are expected to benefit from faster transport to local and cross-border markets, potentially lowering costs and boosting competitiveness.
Etale also highlighted Kenya’s ongoing collaboration with Chinese construction firms, particularly China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), which has been involved in landmark projects such as the Nairobi Expressway and SGR mainline.
He emphasized that these partnerships and well-coordinated infrastructure plans are key to long-term regional growth.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport has indicated that contractor mobilization for the Rironi–Mau Summit project will start immediately.
Phased construction schedules will be shared in upcoming briefings, with the dual carriageway and railway projects expected to strengthen Western Kenya’s role as a commercial and transport hub, supporting agriculture, trade, and regional integration.
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