By Alex Maina
For many months, the people of Kesses Centre lived in deep darkness. When the sun went down, so did the life of the center. Shops closed as soon as darkness approached. Streets emptied fast. People stayed indoors, afraid of what could happen in the dark. The center that once had life, joy, and movement became silent and cold every evening.
“It was very terrible,” said Mary Chebet, a shopkeeper. “We used to close our shops early because it was too dark. Customers feared coming out at night. Everything just stopped.”
Without working streetlights, life became harder for everyone. Traders lost customers. Boda boda riders feared accidents and theft. Families could not enjoy evening walks. Even children could not be sent to the shops. The darkness stole the joy from Kesses. People complained. Again and again, residents talked about the poor lighting. They asked for help. They hoped. But for a long time, nothing changed.
Until now. Thanks to the County Government of Uasin Gishu, everything has turned around. The broken and forgotten streetlights have finally been restored. The darkness that has been a problem is now replaced with light.
“We are very happy,” said Peter Kibet, a boda boda rider. “Now the roads are bright again, and we can work late without fear. Even our passengers feel safe at night because we are able to see the environment.”
The work was simple but powerful, changing bulbs, fixing wires, and switching the poles back on. It brought back more than light. It brought back life.
“It feels so good to see the streets light up again,” said Jane Ruto, a vegetable vendor. “People can walk freely, and businesses are growing. We thank the county for bringing back the light.”
Today, when the sun sets over Kesses, the center no longer goes quiet. Instead, it shines. Market stalls stay open longer. Motorbikes move confidently. Families sit outside. Children laugh and play.
The lights have returned and so has the life of this center. A center that was once dead is now full of life.
