Construction of 36km Baringo road stalls over noise, dust

Construction of the Oinamoi-Kapluk-Barwesa Road in Baringo County has been suspended.

According to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), the contractor of the 36-kilometre road did not adhere to the environmental rules.

Residents living near the road lodged complaints over too much dust and noise emanating from the construction.

They lamented over business centers being closed including food kiosks and hotels.

The road was expected to open up the lower parts of Kerio Valley region and the NEMA move has elicited mixed reactions from several quarters.

Deputy President William Ruto commissioned the construction in July last year.

Launched construction works of the Oinamoi-Kapluk- Barwesa Road, Baringo County. pic.twitter.com/489QnUO7cb

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) July 27, 2018

NEMA has indefinitely suspended construction of the road connecting as negotiations are underway.

Baringo County NEMA Director Josiah Nyandoro faulted the the contractor, SBI International as well as the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KERRA) for not carrying out environmental impact assessment.

He added that they have up to February 28 to comply with the regulations, failure to which they will face the full force of the law.