Ongoing road construction works along a major highway in Kenya.
The government has announced plans to upgrade the Kyuso–Tseikuru Road in Kitui County, a key route that leads to Tseikuru, the rural home area of Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka.
The development follows the publication of a tender notice by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), inviting bids for the strengthening and upgrading of the road to durable bitumen standards.
According to the notice published on Tuesday, December 23, the project will involve improving the existing road, which has for years been plagued by dust during the dry season and mud during rains.
KeNHA announced that a mandatory pre-tender site visit will be held on January 15, 2026, at Kandwia Shopping Centre starting at 10am.
“The Authority hereby invites bids from eligible contractors for tenders to be funded through the Development Votes. There shall be a mandatory pre-tender site visit as specified,” KeNHA stated.
Interested contractors can access tender documents through the KeNHA website or the Public Procurement Information Portal (PPIP).
The announcement has been welcomed as a major boost for residents of Kitui County, particularly those in Kyuso and Tseikuru areas, who have long struggled with poor road access to healthcare facilities, schools, and markets.
However, the project has also sparked political debate, with sections of Kenyans speculating that the move could be aimed at wooing Kalonzo Musyoka closer to President William Ruto’s administration.
A photo collage of President William Ruto (left) and Kalonzo Musyoka
The road upgrade comes amid a recent war of words between President Ruto and the Wiper leader over the state of infrastructure in Kalonzo’s home region.
Speaking on December 15, President Ruto criticised Kalonzo’s long political career, questioning why the road remained in poor condition despite Kalonzo having served as Vice President during the late President Mwai Kibaki’s administration.
“I heard one of them say I’ve been laying roads while in government. He even corrected me, saying he served for 40 years, not 50,” Ruto said. “My question is, how many years does one need to do a single project? How do you campaign for development when the road to your own home is still dusty?”
In response, Kalonzo accused the Head of State of focusing his political energy on attacking him rather than prioritising nationwide infrastructure development.
The former Vice President maintained that during his years in public service, he played a key role in overseeing major infrastructure projects in Kitui County and the wider Ukambani region.
