Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has accused the government of President William Ruto of sidelining Western Kenya in major infrastructure projects, specifically the dualing of the Northern Corridor highway.
During a Senate session, Khalwale questioned the government’s commitment to extending the project to Malaba, citing concerns that the latest revisions may isolate Western Kenya from this critical transport investment.
Khalwale demanded clarity on the status of the Kapsabet–Chebukali–Shinyalu–Kakamega road, which President Ruto had pledged to fund during a visit to Shinyalu Market.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir reassured the Senate that the government plans to break ground on the Rironi–Nakuru–Eldoret highway before the end of August.
Chirchir clarified that the project will extend from Rironi to Eldoret and eventually Malaba, enhancing trade and transport connectivity between Nairobi and Western Kenya.
The controversy surrounds the government’s initial promise to dual the highway from Rironi to Malaba, which Khalwale claims has been revised to stop at Mau Summit. This has raised concerns that the government may be diverting funds to other projects, such as the Mai Mahiu and Nakuru roads.
