Chavakali, the cheap thrills capital of Vihiga county is in line for a serious facelift with the ongoing construction of the Kisumu-Kakamega-Webuye-Kitale highway. That is, at least going by local legend, before being overshadowed by the Majengo interchange/overpass, whose construction is yet to begin.
If urbanization is about u-turn lanes and gigantic several lane roundabouts on double carriage highways, Chavakali in Vihiga is just about to jump into the 21st century. As the famed and feted Kidero grass on Uhuru highway Nairobi; we might soon have Akaranga, Ottichilo grass or is it Amadi grass or Chanzu grass?
What does this mean for the economy of Vihiga county?
Chavakali’s future as a transport hub may still depend on the eventual state of the Chavakali- Kapsabet highway. But there is no denying that its burgeoning reputation as an entertainment spot (after Boyani) will serve it well. Especially once trade begins to flow along the Kisumu-Kakamega-Webuye- Kitale highway. This man made trunk connects Northern Tanzania (through Ahero-Kisii-Isebania highway) and Southern South Sudan (through Kitale- Lowdwar-Lokichoggio highway) through Western Kenya.
For motorists using the Kisumu-Kakamega stretch of the Kisumu-Kakamega-Webuye-Kitale Highway
Road construction works have just begun towards the Kisumu node (as of July 2017). The Mamboleo overpass remains raw, but dualisation of the road leading to town has begun. From this junction, all the way through Kondele and Kibuye market earth movers dig into the earth. The traffic snarl ups along this stretch threaten to be epic as road construction goes on.
On the Kakamega end, road works are at an advanced stage. The dual carriage way that begins at Amalemba continues to takes shape. Meanwhile, the way out to Webuye steadily progresses following resolution of a lengthy court battle between Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and a contractor – VIL – that had resulted in a three-year delay of construction.
Following the out of court settlement, the new contractors led by the now ubiquitous Chinese appear to be keen on finally delivering the Kisumu-Kakamega-Webuye-Kitale highway. Remember that this project was conceptualized and initiated in the grand coalition government.
Mind the signs
Kenyan motorists are a curious lot. In their defense though, road rage remains an area of interest for social behaviorists. Nonetheless, it’s expected that some of you guys might “miss” the newly erected speed signs at major towns along the Kisumu- Kakamega section of the Kisumu-Kakamega-Webuye-Kitale highway.
I bet NTSA will be keen to remind you of your duty as safe law abiding considerate road users.
