By Rhayan Kanyandong
The County Government of Siaya has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Usenge into a vibrant lakeside economic hub, as Governor James Orengo’s pledge to open up the fisherfolk community continues to take shape through ongoing road infrastructure development.
The project undertaken by the Department Public Works, Roads, Energy and Transport underscores the county’s drive to improve accessibility, strengthen market linkages, and unlock the economic potential of Usenge, a predominantly fisherfolk community whose livelihoods depend heavily on fishing activities along Lake Victoria.
The Chief Officer for Public Works and Roads Eng. Kevin Ajuul today led a technical team in an inspection audit of the ongoing phased upgrading to bitumen standards of Alignment 1–5, a 1.512 km road project at Usenge Market in Bondo Sub-County, within West Yimbo Ward.
According to reports from the contractor, the project is scheduled for completion and full handover to the community on June 2026, marking a key milestone in improving infrastructure delivery within the area.
For many years, Usenge has faced major infrastructure challenges, particularly poor road conditions that hindered market access and contributed to post-harvest losses. Given that fish is highly perishable, inadequate transport infrastructure has long affected incomes and efficiency within the fisheries value chain.
The upgrading of the road network is therefore expected to significantly transform the local economy by improving mobility, reducing transport delays, enhancing road safety, and strengthening linkages between the market, the beach landing site, and surrounding communities.
The project also complements the development of the Usenge Beach Pier under the blue economy agenda, which seeks to position Usenge as a modern lakeside trade and transport hub, improving both road and water transport integration.
From a road safety perspective, the design incorporates improved drainage systems, pedestrian walkways, designated boda boda stages, and structured traffic flow within the market. These interventions aim to reduce congestion, minimize accidents, and enhance safety for traders, transporters, pedestrians, and fisherfolk accessing the beach.
Alignment 1 opens up Usenge Beach to the town centre, improving circulation and strengthening connectivity between residential areas, the market centre, and the lakeside economy. Alignment 2 serves as the main entry point into Usenge Market, easing access for traders and transporters while improving traffic organization towards the Beach Management Unit.
Alignment 3 provides essential internal access within the market, ensuring smooth movement of traders and customers while reducing congestion. Alignment 4 similarly reinforces internal circulation and enhances accessibility within the trading centre.
Alignment 5 extends to the Usenge Beach Management Unit and incorporates modern infrastructure, including trader and transporter shades, pedestrian walkways, and designated boda boda stages, designed to enhance safety, order, and efficiency along the lakeside corridor.
The project strongly aligns with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on infrastructure development, economic growth, safer communities, and poverty reduction through improved access to markets and strengthened livelihoods.
Residents have welcomed the project. Collins Andiki, a resident of Usenge Ward, noted that the road works have significantly improved travel within the area, resolved long-standing drainage challenges, and enhanced road usability and safety, especially during rainy seasons.
Eng. Kevin Ajuul expressed optimism that the upgraded road network will modernize Usenge and significantly boost both the business community and the wider fisherfolk economy. He noted that the project has been well embraced by the community and acknowledged the important oversight role of the Community Implementation Team (CIT), which has been closely monitoring the works to ensure accountability, quality delivery, and contractor compliance. He emphasized that this community participation has strengthened transparency and helped keep the project on track for timely completion.
The Chairman of the Usenge Beach Management Unit welcomed the County Government of Siaya’s continued investment in infrastructure, noting that integrating road upgrades with the expanding beach and pier development will greatly benefit the fisherfolk community by improving market access, safety, and strengthening the fisheries value chain under the blue economy framework.
Overall, the project is nearing completion and is set for full handover on June 2026, marking a major step in fulfilling Governor Orengo’s promise to open up Usenge and transform it into a well-connected, safe, and economically vibrant lakeside hub within West Yimbo Ward, anchored on sustainable infrastructure development and inclusive economic growth.
Eng. Ajuul was accompanied by the Director of Roads and other technical officers from the County Government of Siaya’s Department of Public Works, Roads and Transport, forming the project supervision, implementation, and quality assurance team overseeing compliance and road safety standards.