Local leaders in counties of Migori and Narok have expressed confidence that the upgrading of Isebania- Lolgorian road would boost tourism and promote peace.
The leaders who talked to the press during site inspection of the road on Thursday morning said the smooth road would encourage tourists visiting Maasai Mara through the Migori route hence stimulating growth of the industry, consequently increasing revenue.
At the moment, tourists must use the rough road which even becomes impassable during rainy seasons.
Once completed, the Ntimaru, Gwitembe market in Migori County and Ang’ata Baragoi and Lolgorian market in Narok County were expected to develop fast due to their proximity to tourist attraction site of Masai Mara National Park.
Locals believe that good road network would open the two counties for trade and discourage cattle rustling and other forms of insecurity at the border.
“To me, the tourism industry which cuts across the two counties is under exploited and the opening of the bitumen road is a clear sign of boosting the industry,” Kuria East Member of Parliament Marwa Maisori told the press at Lolgorian Market in Narok County.
Maisori asked the locals to cooperate with the construction company for the work to be done as fast as possible,
“This road has been launched more than five times but none succeeded but I believe the time has come,” the MP revealed.
Maisori, who represented his counterpart, Kilgoris MP, Gideon Konchella, said they have decided to work together for the benefit of their people.
The Manager for Construction, Kenya Rural Authority, Eng. Chiaji George said the upgrade of the Isebania-Lolgorian road would cost Sh.3.5 billion, including five years’ maintenance, saying the construction was expected to be completed in three years.
The 75 kilometre Isebania-Kilgoris road is among the 10,000 kilometres roads to be constructed by the government nationally after every five years.
A good road network is key to achieving the government’s Big4 agenda of affordable health care, housing, industrialisation and food security.
The Chinese Company Sinohydro Corporation Limited is expected to begin the construction of the road next month.
By Geoffrey Satia
