Residents of Muhuru Bay, a border town in Nyatike Constituency, Migori County, are growing increasingly frustrated with the delayed completion of the Masara–Muhuru Bay (B1) Road project. The project, which is listed on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) website, aims to upgrade the 20-kilometer stretch of road from Masara town to Muhuru Bay to bitumen standard. However, the project has been plagued by delays, leaving residents to endure the painfully rough road.
The road has been in a deplorable state for decades, with motorists facing a grueling experience navigating through rocks, sand, and loose soil, open ditches, and other hazards. The rough road has hindered trade and growth in the town, which is known for its sweet watermelons, tomatoes, and a wide range of fish species. Despite its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, Muhuru Bay has remained underdeveloped compared to its peers, such as Sori and Masara, which have tarmac roads.
The town's economy, which was once booming, has declined significantly since the late 1990s and early 2000s. Neighbouring towns like Sori have grown exponentially since 1998 following the upgrading of the Rodi-Sori Road into bitumen. Residents blame the lack of a good road network for the town's stagnation, making it difficult for traders to transport goods to markets in Migori and beyond.
The ongoing construction of the Muhuru Bay Pier, a Ksh 200 million project managed by the Kenya Ports Authority and implemented by Kenya Shipyard Limited, has raised concerns among residents that it may not achieve its intended purpose without a good road network. The pier, which will have a large concrete jetty, a cold storage facility, and an administrative block, may not be able to facilitate the transportation of goods and fish to markets if the road is not improved.
Residents are urging the government to expedite the completion of the road project, which has become a hot potato issue in the region. The late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga had previously highlighted the Muhuru Bay road during his visits to the region, but nothing came of it. President William Ruto, who visited Muhuru Bay to launch the pier several months ago, promised to deliver the road, but residents remain skeptical.
The road project has become a political agenda for the 2027 elections, with residents accusing the government of neglecting the region's infrastructure needs. However, many remain optimistic that President Ruto will deliver on his promise, given his recent visit to Migori, where he demanded that the processes be expedited to deliver the road.
The delayed completion of the road project has significant implications for the town's economy and development. Residents warn that if nothing is done, the town will die, and its rich cultural heritage and natural beauty will be lost. A good road, they believe, will open up the area to allow buses and shuttles to ply the route, making it easier for traders and travelers to move in and out of the town.
Key points
- The Muhuru Bay road project has been delayed, hindering the town's growth and development.
- The town's economy has declined significantly since the late 1990s and early 2000s due to the lack of a good road network.
- The construction of the Muhuru Bay Pier may not achieve its intended purpose without a good road network.
