Progress of the Ongoing Upgrading of 66.5-Kilometre Illasit–Taveta Road [Photos]

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued an update on the ongoing upgrading of the 66.5-kilometre Illasit–Njukini–Taveta Road.  

In a statement on Monday, September 14, PS Omollo said 28 kilometers of the road have already been paved to bituminous standards. 

PS Omollo noted that major drainage structures and heavy-duty box culverts have been completed.

“The 66.5-kilometre road, being upgraded by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), runs parallel to the border from Illasit Junction to Taveta Junction and is currently under active construction. 

“About 28 kilometres have already been paved to bituminous standards, with major drainage structures, heavy-duty box culverts and the Ole Suyianka Bridge completed,” said PS Omollo. 

The Interior PS also said the project was initially scheduled for completion in late 2027; however, intensified works have brought forward the target completion date to December 2026. 

Omollo highlighted that the former seasonal gravel track is being transformed into a modern highway with a 7-metre carriageway, 1.5-metre paved shoulders on either side, improved junctions and street lighting at major market centers.

According to PS Omollo, the road will cut travel time between Illasit and Taveta from more than two hours to about 40–45 minutes once completed. 

“Once complete, the road will cut travel time between Illasit and Taveta from more than two hours to about 40–45 minutes, reducing post-harvest losses and giving farmers faster access to markets, including the Oloitoktok Agro-Processing Factory,” said PS Omollo. 

He further said the road project will strengthen trade through the Taveta One-Stop Border Post and improve connectivity between the Amboseli and Tsavo West tourism circuits.

This comes days after PS Omollo issued an update on ongoing construction of the 42-kilometre Ukia-Emali (B107) Road in Makueni County. 

In an update on Thursday, September 10, Omollo said the road project was launched by President William Ruto in November 2025 as part of efforts to improve transport infrastructure and connectivity in the region.

According to the PS, its first phase involves upgrading the 20-kilometre Emali-Matiliku section to bitumen standards; the project is expected to eventually link Emali, Matiliku and Ukia, with future connectivity to Wote Town.

Commenting on the importance of reliable infrastructure, Omollo said roads were critical to supporting meaningful development, while accusing some leaders of prioritising political disputes over improving the lives of residents.

Omollo said the completed road would have a direct impact on agricultural production and trade in Makueni by improving access to key markets and reducing the cost of transporting goods.

"Once complete, the road will open up Makueni's productive agricultural areas, ease access to the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway (A1), reduce transport costs and strengthen the movement of people, goods and services to markets," he stated.