Uganda lawmakers laud Chinese-built road in northwest Kenya

Lawmakers from Uganda on Tuesday lauded the Chinese-built road in northwestern Kenya, saying it will boost trade between the two neighbors.

The team of nine Ugandan lawmakers from the foreign affairs committee said the road will boost the movement of goods and services that is central to regional integration.

Speaking when they inspected the 4.6 billion shillings (40.6 million U.S. dollars) project, the lawmakers said they were impressed with the civil works and commended the Kenyan government for fixing the road.

The 42 km road, which is being undertaken by China State Construction Engineering Corporation and is funded by the African Development Bank, is expected to be completed in the next few months.

The project encompasses the construction of a dual carriageway from the Kitale ASK showground to Matisi and a tarmac through Endebess to Suam on the Kenya-Uganda border.

Led by Hood Katuramu, the MPs said that the road is key to the growth of border towns of Bokwo and Suam.

"We are impressed by the work on the road. We know this road is key to cross trade between Kenya and Uganda," said Katuramu.

They said there has been slow cross border trade, especially in Kitale and Kapchorwa towns due to poor state of roads.

Local Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials said the road will open up new business opportunities for the residents and investors.

"We expect that upon its completion, the border town will open up more business opportunities across the border to improve our local economy as well as provide the much-needed employment for our young people," said Martin Waliaula, head of North Rift's commerce chamber.

He said when the road is complete, the journey to Kampala will nearly reduce to from seven hours drive to four hours.

"This will make the county as the preferred entrance to Uganda and open Trans-Nzoia county to more business opportunities,'' said Waliaula.

He urged the national government to de-gazette 200 acres of forest land at Suam border Point to give room for the expansion of business premises on the Kenya side of the border.