By Christopher Omondi
Obunga stands as one of the largest and most densely populated informal settlements in Kisumu City, housing an estimated 45,000 residents. For years, this community has wrestled with alarming insecurity—night robberies, phone snatching, burglary, and pervasive gender-based violence have become all too common.
Residents have been compelled to rely on police services from Kondele Police Station and Kisumu Central Police Station, both over 3km away. The local police post along Pamba Road has proven unreliable, often resulting in delayed responses that can extend beyond one hour. This has made students at Uzima University, located directly across from Obunga, frequent targets for muggings along the access road.
A significant security intervention is now on the horizon. With funding secured through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, the construction of Obunga Police Station—located directly opposite Uzima University—is underway. “Through the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, we secured funding for the construction of Obunga Police Station opposite Uzima University. Construction commenced in May 2026, and the project is set for completion in the next five months. Special thanks to Uzima University for providing land for this crucial initiative. Stronger and safer communities are built through partnership, commitment, and action,” stated Hon. Joshua Oron, the Area MP for Kisumu Central, on his social media accounts.
During recent engagements in Obunga Central, Kamakowa, Kasarani, and Sega-Sega, it was clear that security remains a pressing challenge, and this project is widely welcomed. “We have a police post around Kamakowa, but it hasn’t been sufficient given the high insecurity in our area. The access road along Uzima University has become a hotspot for muggings, even during daylight hours. We need a counselling desk at the station to aid victims,” emphasized John Otieno.
The Dawn of Obunga CBO, dedicated to community policing, human rights, advocacy, and youth peace-building, issued a strong statement through one of its members: “We wholeheartedly welcome the construction of the Obunga Police Station. For too long, Obunga has been stigmatized as insecure. The underlying issue is that we have been under-policed and under-served. The lack of proper security has fostered hesitance and mistrust among residents. We commend the Interior Ministry and Uzima University for their roles—this exemplifies genuine community partnership. We now urge the enactment of laws to ensure smooth operations once the station is completed. Security is not merely a building; it is a relationship. We stand ready to mobilize for that.” Seth Oloo
This police station will transform the security dynamics in Obunga, fostering a cooperative atmosphere where residents feel safe, secure, and engaged with local law enforcement for a thriving community.
