The planned Sh31.2 billion upgrade of a key link road between Kenya and South Sudan is set to begin, raising prospects of enhanced cross-border trade.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) yesterday signed contracts for the job on a stretch running from Loichangamatak to Lodwar, Nadapal, and Nakodok which has been impassable.
The road’s construction, funded jointly by the World Bank and the government, is expected to be complete in three years.
“This component is an important link along the Biharambo–Mwanza- Musoma-Sirari-Isebania-Kitale–Lodwar –Lokichogio-Nakodok-Juba Transport Corridor of the East African Community’s regional trunk road network,” said Kenha director-general Peter Mundinia. Kenya’s main transport artery has traditionally been the Northern Corridor, running from Mombasa through Nairobi to the border with Uganda at Malaba.
The upgrade of the road will come as a boost for traders who use it for South Sudan’s export and imports. Its deplorable state has hindered the movement of cargo.
Total inflows
Imports from Kenya make 25 per cent of South Sudan’s total inflows.
The road has been identified as an important catalyst for integration of South Sudan into the regional economy and as an important link in the international road connection between Kenya and its neighbours.
“Upgrading of the East Africa Regional Transport, Trade and Development Facilitation Project well known as the South Sudan Link Development Corridor, will transform lives and improve the movement of goods and people along Lokichar-Nadapal/Nakodok part of the Eldoret-Nadapal/Nakodok road in the north western part of Kenya in particular and to enhance connectivity between Kenya and her neighbouring countries,” said Kenha earlier.
Source:
Business Daily
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