Progress of Dhogoye bridge, expected to provide an all-weather crossing and restore a vital transport link along the Bondo–Usenge–Osieko corridor/Faith Matete
For years, residents of Usenge in Siaya County lived at the mercy of Lake Victoria’s rising waters.
When the lake swelled, the crossing point linking Siaya and Busia counties disappeared beneath the water, cutting off families from schools, health facilities, markets and economic opportunities.
Traders lost customers, patients missed medical appointments, and school-going children were forced to take longer, costly routes to reach their destinations.
For fish trader Jane Akinyi, every rainy season came with uncertainty.
"There were days when I could not take my fish to the market because the road was impassable. We would lose income and sometimes the fish would go bad before reaching buyers," she says.
The situation may soon change as construction of the Dhogoye Bridge gathers pace.
The bridge, being constructed by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), is expected to provide an all-weather crossing and restore a vital transport link along the Bondo–Usenge–Osieko corridor.
According to Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration, who oversees coordination and implementation of national government projects, the government remains committed to investing in transport infrastructure to improve connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
"The Government continues to invest in critical transport infrastructure to strengthen connectivity, unlock trade opportunities and support economic growth across the country," said Omollo.
He noted that the bridge is a strategic project that will restore a critical link between Siaya and Busia counties, opening up opportunities for communities that have endured years of transport disruptions.
According to the PS, residents along the corridor have for years suffered frequent interruptions caused by the rising waters of Lake Victoria, which repeatedly submerged the crossing point and cut off access to essential services.
Construction of the bridge began in 2021 but stalled for an extended period before works resumed.
Omollo said the project has registered significant progress over the last four months following government interventions to address challenges that had delayed implementation.
"The project was revived and construction has proceeded uninterrupted over the last four months, registering notable progress on site," he said.
Beyond improving mobility, residents believe the bridge will transform livelihoods.
Farmers will access wider markets, fishermen will transport their catch more efficiently, and businesses are expected to flourish as movement becomes easier between the neighbouring counties.
The bridge is also expected to enhance access to health facilities and educational institutions, particularly for communities that have often found themselves isolated whenever floodwaters rise.
Omollo said once completed, the structure will ease the movement of people and goods, strengthen regional trade and deepen social and economic integration among communities around the lake basin.
He added that the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration has played a key role in ensuring the project’s progress by bringing together government agencies, local leaders and communities to resolve operational challenges.
"The State Department has been instrumental in sustaining momentum on the project by fostering collaboration among stakeholders, helping resolve challenges and ensuring a conducive environment for continuous implementation of this long-awaited infrastructure investment," he said.
For residents like Akinyi, the bridge represents more than concrete and steel. It is a promise of uninterrupted journeys, reliable incomes and renewed hope that communities separated by water can remain connected throughout the year.
