By Christopher Omondi
The condition of the Toyota-Kikomi Road has become a pressing issue for the residents of Railways Ward in Kisumu County, and it demands immediate attention. This essential route is in such disrepair that it significantly hampers the daily lives of school-going children who depend on it to reach Kanyamedha Comprehensive School, as well as those seeking vital services like healthcare and access to markets.
Residents of Kanyamedha and Kosare report that Ksh 2 million was officially earmarked for the construction and maintenance of this crucial road. Yet, despite assurances that the contractor received the award letter, there has been no progress. The contractor’s failure to mobilize the site has left the community struggling with unsafe, poorly maintained infrastructure that jeopardizes their daily commute and overall well-being. Action must be taken immediately to rectify this situation and restore the road to a safe and usable condition.
“This road has attracted significant attention due to the KSh 2 million allocated for the project. However, the contractor has been negligent, putting the lives of thousands at risk. Currently, only about 300 meters of the road have been tarmacked, specifically near the Kanyamedha Comprehensive School, between Neema Apartment and Woodley Court. This limited work is likely due to the proximity of the school, while other sections of the road remain pitted and bumpy, making access difficult for students and residents.
The road is single-lane with no footpath, which complicates movement, especially on school days. The poor condition of the road also impedes motorists who travel along this route. We have made efforts to contact local government officials and relevant organizations to highlight the challenges presented by the road’s condition. Additionally, we are following up on the contractor’s accountability to the public,” Ben Oluoch added.
To address the issue, the residents have proposed several steps to be taken promptly. These include engaging with the media and organizing a march to the Member of the County Assembly to demand accountability and urge the commencement of work on the road.
“We are planning to take further steps to highlight the condition of this road, including engaging with the media, as our previous calls for action have not been heeded. We will march peacefully to the office of our Member of County Assembly, Mr. Sammy Onyango, and we intend to do this regularly in order to receive updates on the project.
As a community, we are also gathering support from relevant stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, that can assist with this initiative. Additionally, we have formed a dedicated committee from among ourselves to address this issue. This committee will liaise with local authorities, such as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), to investigate any potential corrupt dealings related to the project. They will also communicate with other residents and coordinate our activities.” Added Stephen Oketch, a youth leader.
