President William Ruto’s inspection of the Sh1.9 billion Dhogoye Bridge in Bondo on Tuesday has renewed focus on a long-delayed project expected to restore reliable transport for communities that have endured years of flooding and disrupted movement.
The bridge, which links Usenge Town to Got Agulu Island, is being built to provide an all-weather crossing along the Bondo-Usenge-Osieko transport corridor. Once completed, it is expected to improve the movement of residents, traders and motorists while supporting trade and other economic activities between communities in Siaya and Busia counties.
Ruto inspected the ongoing works as he continued his development tour of Siaya County, with the project forming part of wider infrastructure improvements in the region.
Construction of the bridge began in 2021 and was initially expected to be completed in 2022. However, the project experienced prolonged delays and stalled before the government revived construction and allocated additional resources to accelerate the works.
Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir said in January that more than Sh660 million had been spent on the project, with an additional Sh200 million set to be released to speed up construction.
“The President has given clear directions that this project must be completed within the stipulated timeline. We are committed to ensuring the contractor has the necessary resources to deliver,” Chirchir said.
The need for the bridge has been linked to years of flooding that have affected the crossing, particularly when rising waters from Lake Victoria submerge the route. The disruptions have at times left residents cut off while also affecting access to schools, health facilities and markets.
The flooding has also affected economic activities in the area, with government officials saying completion of the bridge will help open up the region for business and investment.
Ongoing construction of Dhogoye Bridge, Bondo, on September 15, 2026. PHOTO/PCS
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi previously said the government had revived the project and provided resources to ensure it is completed.
“This project is a priority under President William Ruto’s Administration. We have ensured that sufficient resources are available so that it is completed and the people of Siaya can benefit,” Mbadi stated earlier.
Dhogoye Bridge is also part of broader efforts to improve the road network around Bondo and Usenge. The government has said the 30-kilometre Bondo Town-Osieko highway, which passes through the Dhogoye Causeway Bridge, will be refurbished because of its poor condition.
The Kodiaga-Siaya Town-Usenge Road has also been tendered as part of the wider plans to improve road connectivity across Siaya County.
For residents around Got Agulu and Usenge, the bridge is expected to address both transport and flooding problems associated with the existing crossing.
Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda has previously said the situation has affected families and farmland in the area, with water unable to flow properly through the blocked crossing.
“Many families have lost their land and homes due to receding waters that cannot flow past the blocked bridge. Completion of this project will be a huge relief to the affected residents,” Ochanda said.
Ruto’s inspection of the bridge was among several infrastructure engagements during his Siaya tour, including visits to roads and other public projects.
The government has presented the infrastructure projects as part of efforts to strengthen transport links in Nyanza and create better access to economic opportunities and public services.
Once completed, Dhogoye Bridge is expected to provide a more dependable route along the Siaya-Busia corridor, easing movement for residents and traders while reducing the disruption caused by flooding.