World Bank Funds Major Highway Project to Transform Kenya's Lake Victoria Region
Turkana County, 7 April 2026
Kenya has secured World Bank funding for an ambitious 815-kilometre highway network spanning seven counties in the Nyanza, Western, and Rift Valley regions. The project includes three major routes: the 365km Port Victoria-Nyamonye corridor, the 350km Homa Bay-Mbita connection, and the 100km Chavakali-Eldoret highway. Environmental and social impact assessments are currently underway, with construction expected to commence within six months. The infrastructure investment promises to revolutionise connectivity across the Lake Victoria basin, significantly reducing transport costs for farmers and traders whilst opening previously isolated rural communities to urban markets and economic opportunities.
World Bank Grant Secures Infrastructure Development
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced on Tuesday, 7 April 2026, that it had received a grant from the World Bank to fund the comprehensive 815-kilometre project, which falls under the Lake Victoria Basin Development Project (LVDP) [1]. Documents indicate that the government of Kenya, through KeNHA, received an initial amount of approximately £800 million for the proposed Lake Victoria Basin Development Project [1]. The Authority stated that the government intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services as the project moves through its preliminary phases [1].
Comprehensive Route Network Spans Seven Counties
The three highways will cut across the counties of Siaya, Kisumu, Homa Bay, Migori, Vihiga, Nandi, and Uasin Gishu [1]. The network comprises the 365-kilometre Port Victoria-Nyamonye-Asembo Bay-Awasi-Katito route, the 350-kilometre Homa Bay-Mbita-Sori-Muhuru Bay road, and the 100-kilometre Chavakali-Kapsabet-Eldoret highway [1]. This strategic positioning will create vital connections between previously isolated rural communities and major urban centres throughout the Lake Victoria basin region [1].
Environmental and Social Safeguards Priority
KeNHA has emphasised that the project will be implemented in line with international standards, ensuring that environmental concerns and the welfare of affected communities are fully addressed [1]. The Authority announced it was inviting consulting companies to express interest in updating key environmental and social studies required before construction begins [1]. The consultancy process will involve updating Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) as well as Resettlement Action Plans (RAP) to reflect new road designs [1]. According to KeNHA, this crucial phase is expected to take approximately six months and represents a mandatory requirement before actual construction works can commence [1].
Economic Transformation for Regional Communities
Once completed, the highways are expected to open up the Lake Victoria region by improving access to markets, easing the movement of goods and people, and enhancing connectivity between rural and urban centres [1]. The three highways are expected to particularly benefit farmers, traders, and businesspeople by reducing travel time and transport costs within the three regions [1]. This infrastructure development promises to create significant economic opportunities for both host communities and displaced populations, particularly benefiting areas such as Turkana County where refugee settlements could gain improved access to regional markets and services [GPT]. The enhanced connectivity will facilitate cross-border trade and movement, potentially improving economic conditions for vulnerable populations whilst strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional transport hub [GPT].