CS Chirchir announces resumption of Suba road construction after public uproar
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir has announced the resumption of the construction of the Sindo-Magunga-Sori Road, which has stalled for months, resulting in protests in the region.
In a statement on Friday, May 23, 2025, Chirchir announced that contractors paving the road would be back, and that the expansion and construction of the road would unleash immense economic benefits to the greater Suba region.
“Inspected ongoing works in Sindo, Dhok Mit, Nyangwete, and Rangwe as contractors resume work,” Chirchir said.
Unlock potential
“The completion of the Mbita-Sindo-Magunga-Sori, Kadel-Kandiege-Nyangwete-Pala-Kanyadhiang, and Oboke-Rangwe roads will unleash an economic revolution in the greater Suba region, Rachuonyo North, and Rangwe sub-counties.”
The 74-kilometre road from Mbita to Sori has faced immense funding gaps, causing untold suffering to passengers and traders relying on the road for their daily commute.
The problems have been further exacerbated by local politics, with leaders bickering over whose responsibility it is to maintain the roads.
Protest over poor roads
On April 23, 2025, transport was paralysed in Sindo after area residents blocked the road and planted banana stems, lamenting the poor state of the road.
The residents noted that the bad roads resulted in high commodity costs and significantly increased the maintenance of vehicles and motorcycles in the area.
With the government planning to construct the entire road in milestones of 7.4 kilometres each, residents are set for longer wait times before the project comes to fruition.
In an earlier statement following the protest, Suba South MP Caroli Omondi revealed that the Agolomuok-Laknyiero-Kiabuya section, which is one of the worst stretches of the road, would be completed in the third milestone.
With the onset of rains, transport costs significantly shoot up, even as some vehicles completely stop operating in the area.
“I am happy to report that China Civil Engineering Construction Company resumed work and is currently completing construction on the second milestone between Kigoto and Olando,” Caroli said.
“The third milestone is set to cover the Agolomuok-Laknyiero-Kiabuya section and is scheduled to begin shortly.”
The development comes in the wake of intense preparations by the County Government of Homa Bay to host President William Ruto during the upcoming Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1, 2025.
Several roads within Homa Bay town, including access roads to and from the Raila Odinga Stadium, which will be the venue of the 62nd Madaraka celebrations, have also been improved.
