CHINESE INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS BOOST ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN WESTERN KENYA

Chinese-backed road projects are transforming transport, agriculture and local commerce in western Kenya, opening new economic opportunities for communities in Kisii and Nyamira counties. Newly paved roads now connect farms, markets and towns across the region. As a result, farmers can move bananas, avocados, tea and other products to major markets more quickly. For local traders, the improved roads have also reduced transport delays and losses.

BETTER ROADS CUT TRANSPORT TIME Before the road upgrades, poor infrastructure created major challenges for farmers and traders. Jane Gesare, a 43-year-old produce trader, remembers the difficulties. She buys fresh produce from farmers across western Kenya and transports it to Kisumu and Nairobi. Previously, an 80-kilometre journey through muddy and damaged roads could take about six hours. Today, the same journey takes around 80 minutes after a Chinese construction company paved the road. “Before this road was tarmacked by the Chinese, half of my bananas would ripen and rot on the way. The truck would get stuck. Not anymore,” Gesare told Xinhua. The shorter travel time allows her to deliver more produce while reducing losses.

ROAD UPGRADES HELP TEA FARMERS The improvements have also benefited tea farmers in the region. Samson Onserio said poor roads often delayed the delivery of his tea harvest. The Kenya Tea Development Agency requires farmers to deliver green tea leaves within six hours of picking. However, damaged roads made it difficult for farmers to meet the deadline. “The trucks always got delayed, and we lost our bonuses,” Onserio said. Now, a new asphalt road allows his harvest to reach the factory in less than an hour. Consequently, the faster transport has helped increase his annual income.

CHINESE PROJECTS EXPAND REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY According to data from the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), Chinese companies have constructed or upgraded more than 250 kilometres of roads across Kisii and Nyamira counties over the past six years. One major project is the 206-kilometre Isebania-Kisii-Ahero (A1) corridor and its feeder roads. The route connects Isebania on the Tanzania border with Ahero in Kisumu County. It passes through Migori, Homa Bay and Kisii. The corridor also serves as an important regional trade route. It links Tanzania with South Sudan through Kenya. The Kenyan government and the African Development Bank (AfDB) jointly funded the corridor's rehabilitation. Meanwhile, Kenya secured Chinese funding in 2024 to revive 15 stalled road projects.

FARMERS GAIN EASIER ACCESS TO MARKETS Improved roads are also changing how buyers reach farms. John Manyura, an avocado farmer, said the new Nyabigena-Nyakorere-Gesonso road allows buyers to reach farms directly. This development has made it easier for farmers to connect with larger markets. In Tabaka, road improvements have also helped the local soapstone industry. The area is well known for its soapstone carvings. Local artisans say the China Henan International Cooperation Group (CHICO)-constructed Nyachenge-Tabaka-Ogembo road has improved access to the area. Eric Nyabuto, a 55-year-old soapstone carver, said buyers from Nairobi previously avoided the area because of the poor road. “In the past, buyers from Nairobi could not come because the road was terrible. Now tourists and exporters come with their cars directly to the quarry,” he said.

BETTER ROADS BOOST BUSINESSES The impact of the road projects extends beyond agriculture and trade. Public transport operators and motorcycle riders have also benefited from the improved roads. The infrastructure has also supported the growth of businesses along the routes. More shops and rental properties are emerging in communities near the upgraded roads. In turn, the expansion is increasing local economic activity and municipal tax revenues. The improved transport network has also contributed to higher school enrolment in the area. According to the report, local school enrolment has increased by 30 percent.

RESIDENTS PRAISE ROAD CONSTRUCTION Residents in Kisii and Nyamira have also praised the quality of the upgraded roads. Joseph Miruka, a community leader, said the projects introduced construction equipment and techniques that were uncommon in the area. “The Chinese companies came here with heavy machines we had never seen. They did proper drainage, climbing lanes, and footbridges,” Miruka said. He added that the roads have remained more resilient during heavy rainfall. “Even during heavy rains, the road is not washed away like the old ones,” he said.

ROAD PROJECTS REDUCE AGRICULTURAL LOSSES Kisii and Nyamira are important agricultural areas in Kenya. The counties produce large quantities of bananas and tea. They have also become one of the country’s fastest-growing avocado-producing regions. According to senior agricultural officials in Kisii County, better roads have helped reduce post-harvest losses. Banana losses reportedly fell from 40 percent in 2018 to 12 percent in 2025. The improvement highlights the link between transport infrastructure and agricultural productivity. For communities across western Kenya, better roads are therefore creating faster access to markets, supporting businesses and opening new opportunities for local economic growth.