Figure 3-3 – Anchor Projects in context of Focus Area 1

Whilst these investments in the town’s infrastructure clearly prioritise motorised transport, these interventions may initially decongest the town, but ultimately will simply attract greater traffic flows which will cause greater impacts on traders, shoppers and pedestrians if not managed correctly.

As a result, many of the existing economic activities, from the market and existing bus park continue to spill out onto the main roads and streets resulting in further congestion and conflict. This lack of accessibility, and significant impediments for pedestrians, results in a disconnected and disorganised, unsafe pedestrian malaise throughout the town, but particularly within the CBD. These issues have manifested as a conflict between motorised transport, parked vehicles, traders, and pedestrians, all of which are competing to use the limited space in the CBD.

Outward growth is restricted by private land, agricultural activities and the two rivers Sio and Khalaba. As a result, there is a need to densify the urban area to improve its functionality and connectivity. This can begin by introducing contemporary, creative redevelopment solutions within the existing activities and land use in the Town centre.

In response to the above, the UEP has identified a series of Anchor Projects within Focus Area 1 aimed at relieving current issues and challenges whilst opening up the Town and its CBD to greater future investment opportunities and attraction.

Figure 3-3 below indicates the location of the Anchor Projects and some of the other key infrastructure projects in Bungoma Town.

Figure 3-3 – Anchor Projects in context of Focus Area 1

Source: Atkins analysis

Anchor Project A – The existing CBD and market areas – This is the heart of the Town and the County, and a magnet for visitors from the wider LREB and beyond. The anchor project is premised on a series of urban design, transportation, utilities and services interventions to create a high-quality functional space.

Anchor Project B – The existing airstrip and prime land available for redevelopment - Bungoma’s potentially decommissioned airstrip, being one of the largest pieces of land within the urban centre, presents a significant redevelopment opportunity in the heart of a densely-populated and land-constrained town. The land belongs to Kenya Airports Authority, but there are ongoing discussions between the County government and KAA around decommissioning the land. The UEP looks to promote the development of this land to create an integrated government services campus with associated residential and public amenities.

Anchor Project C – The potential Moi Avenue green link and associated public realm enhancement – Currently a key transport node that connects the CBD to the existing airstrip land as well as the County and Municipal Government offices. This route performs a ‘high street’ function within the CBD, is relatively quieter than the adjacent upgraded C33, and presents significant potential for a public transport and NMT corridor to connect the key development nodes within the Town.