Written by Lisa Murimi
Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has raised concerns as it excludes major roads and bridges in the Nyanza region from its recent tenders for road maintenance.
While 165 roadworks are planned across 11 regions for the upcoming Financial Year 2023-2024, Nyanza, a political stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga, is conspicuously absent.
Only one road connecting Kisii to Kadongo and Ahero is listed, despite the region’s deteriorating road infrastructure.
In contrast, regions aligned with President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua are receiving attention. Rift Valley, particularly North Rift with 30 roads and South Rift with 10 roads, is earmarked for maintenance. Mt. Kenya and Upper Eastern regions also see allocations.
Concerns are raised about equitable development and whether political dynamics played a role in the allocation decisions.
“Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned us that if legislators did not vote for Finance Bill, there would be no development. Is the government living true to its threat?” the group’s director Prof Fred Ogola posed. The Professor further noted that Nyanza deserved its share of development considering that the region contributed to fuel levies like every other part of the country.
The situation has led to questions about the government’s commitment to fair resource distribution and development across the country. If unresolved, the matter could escalate to the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), posing further challenges to cohesion and inclusivity.
