By Alex Maina
Drainage issues are far from being a thing of the past in Eldoret. Residents of Bacon area in Kiplombe Ward and the neighborhoods surrounding St. Patrick’s Primary School in Kiplombe ward, Uasin Gishu County continue to face the daily challenge of blocked and overflowing sewers. For many, walking along these streets is more than just inconvenient it is a constant health risk.
During a community baraza at the Chief’s office on 10th March 2026, residents gathered to voice their frustrations. Among those present was the highly anticipated Kennedy Okwara, the Public Health Officer, whose presence offered a glimmer of hope. The Village Elder at Government Quarters, John Nderitu, highlighted the severity of the problem, particularly around St. Patrick’s. He emphasized that the sewer lines in this region are in urgent need of repair, as blockages have become both frequent and persistent.
Residents described the problem as multi-faceted. Andrew Odhiambo suggested that the Eldoret Water and Sanitation Company should upgrade the old sewer lines. Rapid population growth in Bacon and surrounding neighborhoods has put extra strain on the aging systems, contributing to frequent overflows.
Mr. Okwara, the Public Health Officer, noted that poor waste disposal is the main cause of sewer blockages. He reminded the community that they are the first line of defense and that it is every individual’s personal responsibility to ensure the sewers are kept clean and in good condition. Household waste, when carelessly discarded, often ends up in fragile sewer lines, worsening blockages and overflows. Adding to this, Joshua Ndegwa suggested that the public health office should help enforce the law by taking action, including arrests, against those who fail to pay for garbage collection, as these individuals contribute heavily to sewer blockages. This highlights the urgent need for both public health interventions and responsible community action to manage waste and sanitation effectively.
During the baraza, Mr. Okwara listened attentively to residents’ grievances and offered his insights, stressing the importance of coordinated action between the public health office, the water and sanitation company, and the community. He emphasized that repairing the sewer lines alone would not solve the problem; everyone must play their part in keeping the streets and sewers clean.
For the residents of Bacon and the nearby areas, hope lies in timely action and collaboration. As they continue to navigate the daily challenges posed by overflowing sewers, the community looks forward to a future where clean streets and functional drainage systems are no longer a dream but a reality.
