KeNHA to Upgrade 123KM of Rift Valley Roads, Plans Compensation for Displaced Residents

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has unveiled plans to upgrade approximately 123 kilometres of roads in Elgeyo Marakwet and surrounding areas in the Rift Valley region. This initiative is part of Phase 1 of the Great Rift Economic Development Corridor Project, funded by the African Development Bank.

Road Sections Targeted

• Biretwo to Chesongoch road – 72 kilometres
• Nyaru to Kapkayo road – 32 kilometres
• Kimwamer to Emsea road – 19 kilometres

The roads are vital links connecting the Eldoret-Malaba highway to the Kenya-South Sudan Link Road, serving key agricultural zones. Upgrading these routes aims to improve accessibility, especially during rainy seasons when they often become impassable, thus reducing post-harvest losses for horticultural and agricultural producers.

Displacement and Environmental Concerns

KeNHA's environmental impact assessment, submitted to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), highlights potential displacement of residents due to land acquisition. The authority intends to reroute sections where possible to minimize land use and has committed to a resettlement action plan that includes full compensation before construction commences.

Environmental protection measures include:

• Limiting earthworks to approved routes and using balanced cut-and-fill methods to preserve the landscape
• Constructing retaining walls, gabions, and drainage systems to prevent landslides and manage soil erosion
• Restricting vegetation clearance and installing silt fences and sediment traps
• Controlling dust through regular watering of exposed surfaces and covering trucks
• Managing noise and vibration by limiting blasting activities to daytime and maintaining equipment properly
• Protecting water sources, wildlife, and vegetation by monitoring pollutants and water quality downstream

Community Impact and Safety Measures

Residents near the project area have been cautioned about possible dust and traffic disruptions. KeNHA plans to carry out most construction during off-peak hours to ease congestion. The influx of construction workers has raised concerns about potential health risks, including HIV/AIDS. To address this, KeNHA will enforce a worker code of conduct and implement health awareness programs.

The total development cost for the Great Rift Economic Development Corridor is estimated between Ksh170 billion and Ksh200 billion. This investment is expected to boost regional economic activities by improving transport infrastructure in a predominantly agricultural region.