The government has announced plans to upgrade the Kyuso–Tseikuru Road in Kitui County, a key route that leads to the native home of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The move comes after years of neglect, leaving residents to navigate dusty and muddy conditions, particularly during the rainy season.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) published a tender notice on Tuesday, December 23, inviting eligible contractors to submit bids for the project, which will involve strengthening and upgrading the existing road to durable bitumen standards.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) published a tender notice on Tuesday, December 23, inviting eligible contractors to submit bids for the project, which will involve strengthening and upgrading the existing road to durable bitumen standards.
According to the notice, a pre-tender site visit is scheduled for January 15, 2026, at Kandwia Shopping Centre, beginning at 10 a.m.
KeNHA confirmed that interested contractors could obtain complete tender documents from the authority’s website or the Public Procurement Information Portal (PPIP).
KeNHA confirmed that interested contractors could obtain complete tender documents from the authority’s website or the Public Procurement Information Portal (PPIP).
The project will be funded through the government’s development votes and forms part of the ongoing national infrastructure agenda aimed at improving connectivity in remote regions.
For Kitui residents, the announcement is a major relief. Many have long struggled to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets due to the poor condition of the Kyuso–Tseikuru road.
For Kitui residents, the announcement is a major relief. Many have long struggled to access essential services such as healthcare, education, and markets due to the poor condition of the Kyuso–Tseikuru road.
Farmers transporting produce to local markets and students commuting to schools have particularly felt the impact of the dusty and difficult terrain.
While the government frames the project as part of a national infrastructure improvement plan, some observers have speculated that the upgrade could carry political undertones.
While the government frames the project as part of a national infrastructure improvement plan, some observers have speculated that the upgrade could carry political undertones.
The road leads directly to Kalonzo Musyoka’s home, raising questions about whether the initiative could influence political dynamics in the region, particularly in the lead-up to future elections.
The announcement also comes amid ongoing tensions between Kalonzo and President William Ruto. Just last week, on December 15, Ruto criticized the former vice president, questioning why the road leading to his own home remained unpaved despite decades in public service.
The announcement also comes amid ongoing tensions between Kalonzo and President William Ruto. Just last week, on December 15, Ruto criticized the former vice president, questioning why the road leading to his own home remained unpaved despite decades in public service.
Ruto’s remarks highlighted the contrast between his administration’s focus on development and what he perceived as the inaction of previous leaders.
In response, Kalonzo defended his record, noting that during his political career he had overseen several infrastructure projects in Kitui and across the region.
In response, Kalonzo defended his record, noting that during his political career he had overseen several infrastructure projects in Kitui and across the region.
He argued that the government’s attention on him personally detracted from the broader national development agenda.
Political analysts say that the road upgrade could have multiple impacts. Beyond improving mobility for residents, the project may also stimulate local economic activities, facilitate access to government services, and enhance trade between communities.
Political analysts say that the road upgrade could have multiple impacts. Beyond improving mobility for residents, the project may also stimulate local economic activities, facilitate access to government services, and enhance trade between communities.
Local traders and transport operators are optimistic, believing the improved road will reduce travel time and vehicle maintenance costs, ultimately boosting livelihoods.
Residents, meanwhile, have expressed cautious optimism. Mary Wambui, a trader from Tseikuru, said,
“For years we have struggled with this road, especially during the rainy season. If the government completes the project, it will make a big difference for our daily lives and business activities.”
With the tender process now open, contractors and political watchers alike are closely monitoring developments. The pre-tender site visit and subsequent bidding will determine how quickly the project can commence.
Ultimately, the Kyuso–Tseikuru road upgrade promises to be a significant milestone for Kitui County, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges while also carrying potential political implications for both Kalonzo Musyoka and the government.
With the tender process now open, contractors and political watchers alike are closely monitoring developments. The pre-tender site visit and subsequent bidding will determine how quickly the project can commence.
Ultimately, the Kyuso–Tseikuru road upgrade promises to be a significant milestone for Kitui County, addressing long-standing infrastructure challenges while also carrying potential political implications for both Kalonzo Musyoka and the government.
Residents hope that this project will finally bring the accessibility, convenience, and development that the region has long awaited.
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