Vihiga's Infrastructure Push: Roads, Housing and Stadium Projects Reshape County in 2026

What Happened
Vihiga County has recorded significant infrastructure progress in 2026, with major road upgrades, affordable housing projects, health facility expansions and the long-awaited Kidundu Stadium all advancing under a KSh7.72 billion budget.

The developments come as Governor Wilber Ottichilo's administration enters its final year, with officials pledging to complete flagship projects before the 2027 elections.

National and county governments have jointly prioritised road connectivity, housing delivery and health infrastructure as key pillars of the county's development agenda.

Official Response
Governor Ottichilo said his government has made significant investments in infrastructure, particularly in road construction, with at least one ongoing road project in every sub-county.

The County Assembly approved a KSh7.72 billion budget for FY 2026/27, with the Governor announcing a suspension of new project launches to focus on completing and equipping stalled facilities, especially in health and vocational training.

Principal Secretary for Roads Eng. Joseph Mbugua inspected ongoing road projects in July 2026, including the Mago–Mululu (E240) and Lusui–Vokoli (E293) roads, to ensure quality standards are maintained.

Official Statement Link Placeholder

Why This Matters
For residents, the infrastructure push translates into shorter travel times, better access to markets and schools, improved health services and new housing opportunities. The completion of tarmac roads reduces transport costs for farmers and traders, while affordable housing addresses the growing demand for modern living spaces.

The Kidundu Stadium, once completed, will provide a venue for sports, cultural events and community gatherings, potentially hosting national celebrations like Madaraka Day.

Health infrastructure upgrades, including the new Maternal and Child Health Integrated Complex at Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital, aim to reduce maternal mortality and improve neonatal care.

Community Impact or Background Context

Roads & Transport

President William Ruto launched the upgrading to bitumen standard of the 11-kilometre Chavakali–Lusiola–Shikimu–Malinya Road in Sabatia Constituency in March 2026.

The Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) has ongoing tenders for upgrading several rural roads to bitumen standard, including:

• Busweta–Ikobero–Chavogere–Cheptech–Shinyalu
• Lusoi–Vokoli
• Mululu–Kwa Shem (thatcher road)
• Mululu–Wangulu

The County Government reported rehabilitating 79 km of roads and opening 228.6 km of new access roads in 2026, improving connectivity to remote areas.

Over KSh100 million in compensation was paid to Vihiga landowners in May 2026 for land acquired for road projects after a 19-year wait, following intervention by the Commission on Administrative Justice.

Affordable Housing

The Boma Yangu Milimani Vihiga Estate in Vihiga Town was commissioned in March 2026, comprising 220 housing units across nine blocks.

The estate includes 20 studio units, 20 one-bedroom units, 120 two-bedroom units and 20 three-bedroom units, transforming the Majengo/Milimani area into a modern gated community.

President Ruto announced that six affordable housing projects are underway in Vihiga, delivering 3,720 units in Phase 1 with an investment of KSh7.5 billion.

Health Facilities

The new Maternal and Child Health Integrated Complex at Vihiga Teaching and Referral Hospital was launched in January 2026 through a partnership between Vihiga County and the M-Pesa Foundation.

The 2026/27 budget allocated KSh23 million for the completion of Sabatia Maternity Ward, Kegondi Health Centre and Iduku Health Centre.

Sports & Community Facilities

Construction of the Sh900 million, 10,000-seater Kidundu Stadium resumed in April 2026 after land compensation for all affected families was completed.

The stadium was initially expected to be completed by October 2026 and host Madaraka Day 2026, though timelines may have shifted.

Safety & Prevention
As construction activities increase, residents and motorists should exercise caution around roadworks and building sites. Important safety measures include:

• observing road closure signs and diversion routes;
• avoiding construction zones unless authorised;
• reporting damaged infrastructure or unsafe structures to county authorities;
• ensuring contractors display project information and safety notices.

County officials should also ensure that new housing estates and public facilities meet building codes and accessibility standards.

What Happens Next
The County Government has pledged to fast-track implementation of key development projects before the end of Governor Ottichilo's tenure in 2027.

KeRRA is expected to continue rolling out rural road upgrades, with several tenders already advertised for 2026.

The Affordable Housing Board and national government partners will likely announce additional housing projects in Vihiga as part of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

Residents can expect further updates on the Kidundu Stadium completion timeline and the operationalisation of new health facilities in the coming months.

Share Your Thoughts

We would like to hear from you.

• Which infrastructure project in Vihiga County do you think will have the biggest impact on your daily life?
• What additional improvements would you like to see in your area?
• How can residents and the county government work together to ensure projects are completed on time and to a high standard?

For official updates or emergency assistance, residents are advised to contact the relevant authorities.