By Joel Clinton
Residents of North Rabuor in Kisumu West Sub-County are calling on the government to quickly repair the Sianda-Wandera road. They say it has been in bad shape for years, making their movement increasingly hard.
The road, which helps hundreds of residents, has many deep potholes. It becomes nearly impossible to use whenever it rains. People say the poor condition of the road makes it hard to access important services like healthcare, education, and markets.
This issue is especially concerning for those who rely on Chulaimbo Hospital for medical care. During the rainy season, drivers and walkers find it tough to get through the muddy and flooded areas. Some patients have to find other ways to get to the hospital.
Residents also mention that traders struggle to transport farm goods and other items to the market. Schoolchildren face muddy paths and risky sections of the road on their way to Sianda School.
One resident, Christopher Ochieng, expressed that the road has been neglected for far too long, despite many complaints from the community. “We have complained about this road for years, but nothing seems to change. When it rains, vehicles get stuck in the mud, and people have to walk through water and potholes just to reach the hospital or the market,” Ochieng said.
Another resident, Magdalene Ogot, noted that the poor road affects pupils and students who depend on it to get to school. “Our children leave home early in the morning, but when it rains, they arrive at school covered in mud. Some even miss classes because the road becomes too hard to use. We are asking the authorities to listen to us and repair this road,” Ogot said.
Residents want the county and national governments to step in before the situation gets worse. They believe proper drainage and grading of the road would greatly help transportation in the area.
Area MCA, Vincent Nyagogo recognized the residents’ concerns and mentioned that the condition of the road is a significant challenge for the community. “The complaints from residents are valid because this road is very difficult to use during the rainy season. We have brought the matter to the attention of the relevant authorities and are urging them to prioritize its repair, as it connects residents to essential services,” the MCA said.
Residents now hope that the authorities will move beyond making promises and take real steps to fix the road, which they believe is a vital link for the communities of Sianda, Wandera, and the surrounding areas.
