By Emmanuel
Residents and road users are expressing growing concern over the deteriorating condition of the road leading to the Kericho slaughterhouse, where the continuous accumulation of waste has made the route increasingly difficult to access. What was once a key access road is now creating inconvenience for motorists, traders, workers, and nearby residents while posing serious environmental and above all is the public health risks.
The indiscriminate dumping of waste along the road has transformed the area into an eyesore. Piles of garbage have narrowed sections of the road, making it difficult for vehicles and pedestrians to pass safely. During rainy weather, the situation worsens as waste blocks drainage channels, leading to stagnant water, muddy conditions, and foul-smelling surroundings. The growing waste problem presents significant health concerns. Decomposing waste attracts flies, rodents, and other disease-carrying pests, increasing the risk of the spread of communicable diseases. The unpleasant odour emanating from the area also affects people living and working nearby, creating an unhealthy environment for the surrounding community.
The condition of the road is also impacting businesses that depend on easy access to the slaughterhouse. A worker by the name Kurgat (the participant requested to be anonymous) “Every day we have to work in an environment surrounded by piles of waste. The smell is unbearable, especially during hot weather, and customers sometimes hesitate to come because of the condition of the area. Vehicles also struggle to access the slaughterhouse, particularly when it rains. We are appealing to the county government to clean this place and maintain it regularly because this is where many of us earn our living.” Livestock traders, meat transporters, suppliers, and customers face unnecessary delays and increased transport costs due to the poor state of the access road.
Talking with the community-based organization VOICES FOR JUSTICE stated that this should serve as a wakeup call to the kericho county government and the concerned department responsible for waste management and environmental conservation to act on the matter and by cleaning the place so as to avoid many health problems because that slaughter house provide food to the community. Residents are calling for immediate action to remove the accumulated waste, restore the road to a usable condition, and implement sustainable waste management measures to prevent the problem from recurring
Cleaning the area surrounding the slaughterhouse is not merely an aesthetic exercise it is a necessary investment in the health, safety, and dignity of the community. Prompt intervention will restore accessibility, reduce environmental pollution, and demonstrate the county government’s commitment to providing a clean and healthy environment for all residents.
The people of Kericho deserve clean roads, efficient waste management, and an environment that supports both public health and economic growth. The time to act is now, before the situation deteriorates further and the cost of addressing the problem becomes even greater.
