Business people in Bungoma and developers who have structures encroaching road reserves have been forced to demolish their buildings to pave way for the construction of the dual carriageway, a project that was recently launched by Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati. This comes after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) ordered all people whose buildings extend to road reserve to demolish them or the Authority will do it, with some costs to be met by the buildings’ owners.
The Bungoma dual carriageway from Musikoma to Kanduyi, which will cost the County government more than Kshs 1.3 billion has brought its share of controversies, with some residents saying that the allocated money surpasses the County’s financial ability and that the construction may only benefit a few people, those living in and around Bungoma town.
Some leaders have also questioned how the County government will compensate those who’ll lose their property. Khalaba ward MCA Majimbo Okumu and activists Zack Juma and Lukoye urged Governor Wangamati to give clear guidelines on how Chebukube market traders will be relocated terming their relocation as unlawful.
Speaking during the official launch of the road project in March this year, Bungoma Governor Wycliffe Wangamati assured residents of the benefits that will follow immediately after the construction, adding that the population of Bungoma town is rapidly growing and the dual carriageway will help to reduce traffic jams.
Written by Thadeus Wachiye
