Recently, the B75 highway contracted by China middling coal Construction Group Co., Ltd. is extending farther from this desert pastoral area. The design is 188 kilometers long, and this highway is changing the travel and life of residents along the route. Isako told reporters that in the past, it used to take a two-hour minibus ride and cost 300 Kenyan shillings to get from Segal to Massabit town, but now it only takes over 30 minutes and 100 shillings. Travel time is shortened, transportation costs are reduced, and everything becomes more convenient.

Engineering difficulties and construction strategies

Massabit County is located in the arid and semi-arid region of East Africa, with complex geological conditions. The alternating appearance of hard basalt, loose volcanic ash, and sandy soil poses challenges to the stability and compaction of the roadbed. The dry seasonal river channel quickly gathers into a torrent after heavy rainfall, impacting the roadbed and culverts. The large temperature difference between day and night and frequent sandstorms also place higher demands on road materials and durability. Project leader Liao Xinhui said that every technical decision must consider whether this road can withstand decades of wind and sun exposure in the local area. In response to the alternation of soft and hard geology, the team selected hard fillers and strengthened compaction to reduce uneven settlement; For seasonal floods, increase drainage facilities, set up bridges, culverts, and box culverts; Make targeted adjustments to asphalt materials and mix design for high temperatures and temperature differences.

Material procurement and localized employment

The high-quality asphalt, steel beams, main steel bars and other core materials required for project construction are mainly purchased from China, which drives domestic steel, petrochemical and other industries to participate in overseas projects. At the same time, the project employs a large number of local employees to participate in construction, covering aspects such as roadbed treatment, pavement laying, and ancillary facility construction. Localized employment not only reduces construction costs, but also creates employment opportunities for the local area. Local official Ken Boye stated that with the extension of the highway, more and more settlements have emerged along the route, and commercial activities are gradually thriving. The construction, salt processing, and mining industries are expected to benefit from improved transportation. Keywords: infrastructure news and information, infrastructure, transportation, enterprise going global

Construction schedule and long-term planning

The B75 highway is designed to have a total length of 188 kilometers and is currently being constructed in sections. On the basis of solving geological and climatic problems, the project team has completed the roadbed and pavement works of the already started section according to the plan. Liao Xinhui came to Massabit in 2013 to participate in the construction of A2 highway and is now responsible for the B75 project again. He said that the construction is not just about roads, but also about connecting remote communities with the outside world. From Chinese manufacturing and technology to localized construction, this road that crosses the desert in northern Kenya is becoming a benchmark project for infrastructure cooperation between China and Kenya. In the long run, the completion of the entire highway will further connect the transportation network in northern Kenya, providing support for regional resource development and economic growth.Editor/Gao Xue