Senator James Lomenen has called for urgent clarification from the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing regarding the construction and upgrading of key roads in Turkana County. In a statement delivered to the Senate, Lomenen raised concerns about the delayed progress of the Lomut-Lokwamosing (B118) road and the Nginyang'-Lokori-Lokichar (A10) road, both critical to connecting Turkana to the rest of Kenya.
Lomenen emphasized the importance of these roads in facilitating access to markets, healthcare, education, and other essential services. However, despite their crucial role, the senator pointed out that both roads remain in poor condition and are often rendered impassable due to heavy rains, further isolating the region.
“The Lomut-Lokwamosing and Nginyang'-Lokori-Lokichar roads are vital lifelines for the people of Turkana, yet they remain in deplorable condition, hampering movement and access to critical services,” Lomenen stated. “The designs for these roads were completed back in 2013 and 2016, yet construction has yet to commence.”
The senator expressed concerns over the prolonged delay in the implementation of these projects, which were initially slated for construction after the completion of their designs. Lomenen called on the Committee to provide an explanation for the delays, asking for clarification on whether the necessary updates to tender documents, design reviews, and Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) have been completed.
Sen. Lomenen also urged the Committee to provide a clear timeline for when construction is expected to begin and be completed, stressing the importance of setting specific dates to ensure the projects are carried out without further delay.
Additionally, the senator sought an explanation on what steps the government is taking to mitigate any adverse environmental and social impacts identified during the ESIA process for both projects.
Improving road infrastructure in Turkana, Lomenen argued, is not just about connectivity; it is essential for fostering economic development and ensuring better delivery of services to the county’s residents.
“The people of Turkana deserve to benefit from the same opportunities as other Kenyans, and improving our road networks is key to unlocking economic potential and enhancing service delivery,” Lomenen concluded.
The senator’s statement has raised critical questions about the pace and transparency of infrastructure development in Turkana County, with many looking to the Senate Standing Committee on Roads, Transportation, and Housing for a prompt and detailed response.
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