The long-overdue reconstruction of the Misikhu-Brigadier Road in Bungoma County is set to resume, following President William Ruto’s decisive intervention. During the launch of the Last Mile Electrification Project in Lugulu, the President criticized the previous contractor for poor-quality work and years of delay.
President Ruto assured residents that his administration had secured sufficient funds to ensure the project is completed efficiently. “We have mobilized resources, and there is now adequate funding for this road. A new contractor will soon be appointed with clear directives to complete the work within record time,” Ruto stated.
The President also announced plans to extend the road from Ndivisi-Lukuki to connect with the Lugulu-Kitale main road, promising enhanced regional connectivity. This move is expected to significantly ease the movement of goods and services, boosting economic activity in the region.
Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka commended the government’s intervention, describing the road as a major concern for residents. “People from this region have long been frustrated by the poor state of this road. Its timely completion will not only ease their struggles but also solidify your prospects for re-election,” Lusaka said, addressing President Ruto.
Governor Lusaka also noted that while the county government had fulfilled its obligations, delays at the national level had impeded progress. The 45-kilometer road, a crucial link for farmers transporting produce to markets, has been under construction since 2016. Initially budgeted at Sh1.7 billion under President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration, the project has remained incomplete, drawing ire from residents and leaders alike.
The Misikhu-Brigadier Road’s reconstruction is a joint initiative between the national government and Bungoma County. However, dissatisfaction with the slow pace of work and the substandard delivery of the previous contractor has been a longstanding issue for the community.
President Ruto’s intervention comes during his week-long working tour of the Western region, where he is inspecting various development projects. He is scheduled to visit Bungoma town on Friday to oversee progress on other key initiatives.
Residents have expressed cautious optimism about the President’s promises, hopeful that this time, tangible results will follow. The timely completion of the road is anticipated to transform the lives of local farmers, traders, and commuters, marking a significant step toward economic revival in the area.
