By Alex Maina
The people of Lower Roadblock, Mti Moja, and Tairi Mbili in Huruma Ward, Turbo Sub- County, Uasin Gishu county are facing a serious problem every time it rains. The heavy rains have made their roads almost impossible to use. This problem is caused by poor drainage systems or rather, the lack of any drainage systems at all.
When it rains, water floods the roads. There are no culverts or stormwater drains to guide the water away. Instead, the rainwater just stays on the surface, forming large pools and deep mud. This makes the roads very dangerous and hard to pass through, whether on foot or by vehicle.
Every day, many people rely on these roads to get to school, work, or the market. But when the rain falls, they get trapped by the floods. Children struggle to walk to school safely, and boda boda riders avoid the roads because they are too risky. Traders lose customers because buyers cannot reach their shops.
Tracy, a mother of three, shared her experience: “When it rains, our roads turn into rivers. My children find it hard to walk to school during school days, I am even glad that the schools have closed my children are safer in the house. In the evening when it rains, I can’t go to sell my vegetables. Customers do not come because the roads are full of water and also my kibanda area is water logged.”
The flooding also causes damage to homes and property. People have to walk through dirty water to access basic needs like food and medicine. This situation puts their health and safety at risk. Despite community efforts to create makeshift bridges and channels, the problem only worsens every time rain comes. Without proper infrastructure, the area remains vulnerable and isolated during rains.
Oluoch, a local resident, speaks for the community: “We are not asking for too much. We only want what is rightfully ours. Good drainage is a right, not a privilege. Our leaders must act now because the problem is getting worse by the day.”
The people of Lower Roadblock, Mti Moja, and Tairi Mbili are calling on the County Government to fix this problem. They want proper drainage systems that will allow water to flow safely away from their homes and roads. This is the only way to make life easier, safer, and healthier for everyone in these areas.
It is time for the leaders to listen and act.
