By Joel Clinton
The Ojola steep along the Kisumu-Busia highway has become a nightmare for both motorists and residents. Accidents continue to take lives and damage property. This stretch, located just a few kilometers from Kisumu city, has gained a notorious reputation as one of the most dangerous spots in the region.
Vehicles, from heavy trucks and oil tankers to private cars, often lose control on the treacherous slope, especially those coming from the Busia side. The road is not only steep but also features a sharp bend that challenges even skilled drivers. Many accidents occur when vehicles speed downhill, fail to brake in time, and eventually overturn.
Residents say the situation is made worse by the narrow road, which leaves little room for mistakes. “We live in constant fear,” said Mary Atieno, a trader at Ojola market. “Every time a lorry loses control, we don’t know if it will stop on the road or crash into our homes. We have seen too many close calls.”
In the past year alone, there have been several serious accidents in the area. Some resulted in fatalities, while others caused significant property damage. Oil spills from overturned tankers have also made the road slippery and dangerous for other drivers.
Local leaders and residents have repeatedly asked both the county and national governments to take action, but their requests have mostly gone unanswered. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), which is responsible for maintaining the highway, has faced criticism for doing little to address the issue despite numerous complaints and petitions.
“We have written to KeNHA several times asking them to widen the road or install speed control measures, but nothing has been done,” said a local boda boda chairman. Members of his group often rush to help victims after accidents.
As calls for action grow louder, residents are demanding immediate government intervention, including road expansion, proper signage, and speed bumps, to prevent further loss of life. Until then, Ojola steep remains a deadly trap for drivers and a constant source of fear for the surrounding community.
