Gov’t Unveils 17km Road Project in Suba South After Yemen Jokes

The government has unveiled plans to upgrade a 17-kilometre road in Suba South, Homa Bay County, in a move aimed at transforming the region's image following online jokes comparing its rugged roads to Yemen.

In an update on Sunday, November 8, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the proposed infrastructure improvements would help unlock the economic and tourism potential of the lakeside region, which has faced criticism over the condition of its roads.

Join our WhatsApp Channel for the latest news updates.

"The online joke comparing parts of Suba South to war-torn Yemen, inspired by images of dusty, rugged roads, need not define the region's future," he wrote.

Omollo noted that improved infrastructure would create opportunities for tourism, business and modern settlements, particularly given the area's location along Lake Victoria.

"With deliberate investment in infrastructure, the same lakefront can become a gateway to scenic island tourism, thriving waterfront commerce and modern settlements," he added.

According to Omollo, the project involves upgrading the 17-kilometre Tonga-Kisaku-Osiri Road to bitumen standards through the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).

"The upgrading of the 17-kilometre Tonga–Kisaku–Osiri Road to bitumen standards by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) is a step towards that transformation, bringing Suba South closer to the connectivity and economic progress Kenya aspires to achieve," he further said.

The road will connect local communities to the Sori-Magunga-Sindo highway and link into the planned Lake Victoria Ring Road network along the Sindo-Nyandiwa section.

The improved road network is expected to ease the movement of agricultural and fishing products while opening up local businesses to wider markets.

"This improved connectivity will strengthen access to fish-landing beaches, trading centres and wider markets, helping fishermen and farmers move fresh produce faster, reduce transport costs and expand commercial opportunities," he concluded.

Meanwhile, the government is accelerating investments in Lake Victoria's blue economy through the construction of nine modern fish landing sites, new piers, expanded water transport infrastructure and improved market connectivity.

Speaking on Friday, November 6, Omollo said the investments were part of a comprehensive development programme by President William Ruto's administration to unlock the economic potential of Lake Victoria, increase fishermen's incomes and position the blue economy as a major contributor to national economic growth.

He said the Government had prioritised the fishing sector through targeted investments in infrastructure, equipment, training, security and market access.

"The President has been very deliberate, very intentional. He's doing nine fish landing sites on Lake Victoria. He's doing piers so that beyond supporting the fishing industry, he's also making it possible for transport by water to be safe and convenient," Omollo said.

Omollo highlighted ongoing construction works at Muhuru Bay Pier in Migori County and other fish landing sites around Lake Victoria.

The modern facilities will incorporate cold storage rooms, hygienic fish handling areas and improved trading infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses and increase returns for fishermen.

On water transport, Omollo outlined several projects at different stages of implementation, including the completed Homa Bay facility, ongoing works at Usenge in Siaya County and planned developments at Mbita, Kendu Bay and Sena on Mfangano Island.

The Government was also nearing completion of a public ferry in Kisumu, which is expected to improve passenger movement, facilitate trade and strengthen connectivity between communities around the lake.

Omollo said the investments were not limited to fishing infrastructure but were intended to expand economic opportunities through transport, trade and other activities supported by Lake Victoria.

Security was another key component of the Government's plans, with the PS announcing the deployment of additional police and security officers and patrol boats on the lake before the end of 2026.