By WAKHUNGU ANDANJE
May 25, 2026| David Ndakwa (MP , Malava) has defended the government’s development agenda in Malava Constituency, citing the commencement of key infrastructure projects as evidence that pledges made during the recent by-election campaign are being implemented.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the ongoing Malava–Samitsi–Navakholo road project, the MP said the tarmacking of the road marked a major step in opening up the constituency for business and investment.
The road project is among several infrastructure initiatives being rolled out in Western Kenya as the government seeks to improve connectivity and stimulate economic activity in rural areas.
Ndakwa said the road would improve transport, ease movement of goods and people, and help position Malava as a growing economic hub within Kakamega County.
“This is a major milestone towards improved transport and accessibility within the constituency,” he said.
According to the MP, contractors had already begun the asphalt laying phase after completing the priming stage meant to strengthen the bond between the prepared road surface and the tarmac layer.
He noted that an initial three-kilometre stretch was expected to be completed within days as works intensify on the route linking Malava, Samitsi and Navakholo.
The legislator also pointed to other ongoing projects in the constituency including rural electrification, piped water connections and expansion of school infrastructure.
He said the government had secured five transformers under the rural electrification programme to help connect more households to electricity.
Ndakwa urged residents to cooperate with contractors and observe traffic diversions to allow smooth implementation of the road works.
At the same time, the MP dismissed critics who had described some of the promised projects as political campaign rhetoric unlikely to materialize.
“This is a reflection of the government’s commitment to development and service delivery,” he said, while urging residents to continue supporting the administration of William Ruto.
The remarks come as leaders allied to the Kenya Kwanza administration intensify campaigns to defend the government’s development record ahead of the 2027 General Election, particularly in regions where infrastructure projects are being used as indicators of state investment.
Residents who attended the inspection welcomed the road project, saying it was expected to improve transport and boost local businesses.
Women traders led by Esther Mwanzo said improved road connectivity would enhance economic activities in the area and make movement easier for traders and customers.
Boda boda riders operating along the route also welcomed the development, saying the poor state of the road had for years exposed them to accidents and increased maintenance costs for motorcycles.
They said the tarmacked road would ease movement, especially during the rainy season when sections of the road become difficult to navigate.
Western Kenya has in recent years witnessed increased investment in road infrastructure, affordable housing, electricity connectivity and healthcare projects as the national government seeks to strengthen development in the region.
Among the projects highlighted by leaders in the region are upgrades to health facilities, expansion of road networks, industrial parks and ongoing discussions around the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway toward Busia and the Kenya-Uganda transport corridor.
For residents of Malava, however, attention remains focused on whether the ongoing projects will be completed within the promised timelines and translate into tangible economic benefits for the local population.