Eldama Ravine Residents Protest Over Poor State of Roads Amid Government Inaction

The residents of Chergei area in Rongai Sub County have been driven to protest over the increasingly deteriorating state of roads in Baringo County. On June 24, 2024, locals specifically targeted the 10km stretch connecting Rafiki Estate to Gicheha, which has become nearly impassable due to its poor condition. The protest quickly escalated, as demonstrators moved into Rafiki area, barricading the busy Nakuru-Eldama Ravine Road with stones, disrupting traffic for almost an hour. Their frustrations were aimed at local MP Paul Chebor, whom they accuse of neglecting the road without offering any explanation. This protest is just one in a series of demonstrations in the county, reflecting a growing discontent among the residents over the state of local infrastructure.

The dilapidated roads have affected the daily lives of Eldama Ravine residents, with complaints ranging from the inconvenience of traveling on damaged roads to economic losses stemming from delayed transportation. Over the last two weeks, these frustrations have boiled over, leading residents to block the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway twice, demanding immediate action from their leaders. Dan Korir, one of the protesters, expressed his dismay, saying, “Today we decided to block Torongo, Eldama Ravine, and Eldoret road to express our disappointment following the county promise to construct the Torongo, Tugumoi, and Soibei road, but nothing has been done.” Korir, like many others, feels that the county government has failed to deliver on its promise, leaving residents to struggle with poorly maintained roads.

The deteriorating state of the Sobei-Tukumoi road, which connects to the Nakuru-Eldoret Highway, has become unbearable for pedestrians and motorists alike. According to locals, the road’s condition has worsened, making it difficult for vehicles to maneuver, and increasing the risk of accidents. Kevin Rono, a resident, lamented the ongoing neglect by local leaders, accusing them of turning a blind eye to the community’s needs. He pointed out that frequent users of the road often find themselves stuck, adding that the worn-out road surface has become a safety hazard for both vehicles and pedestrians. The neglect has also caused delays in the transportation of goods, impacting the local economy.

In Baringo South, residents face similar challenges with the Mochongoi-Karandi-Marigat road, which has remained incomplete for years. The road has become a nightmare for those who rely on it, particularly following heavy rains that have left the route flooded and impassable. Locals are forced to wade through murky water, exacerbating the already difficult situation. Farmers like Leshadina Lesuno, who grow tomatoes in the area, have been hit hard by the poor road conditions. “We hope that the government will provide a long-lasting solution,” said Lesuno, adding that the poor road network has severely disrupted the tomato market, with farmers struggling to transport their produce. The road’s condition has not only hurt local trade but also left the area vulnerable to banditry attacks, further endangering residents.

Zakayo Serem, a driver who regularly uses the Marigat-Karandi route, shared his frustrations about the impact of the poor roads on the community’s access to essential services. “Accessing social amenities is a problem for the residents, and some have even lost their lives due to the poor road conditions,” Serem explained. He recounted tragic instances of women giving birth on the roadside and patients dying before reaching the hospital because of delays caused by impassable roads. Serem emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for serious government intervention to improve the infrastructure connecting Baringo, Laikipia, and Nakuru counties.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Kenya Rural Roads Authority and the County Executive Committee in charge of roads have so far been unsuccessful, with both offices remaining unresponsive to calls and messages. However, County Commissioner Stephen Kutwa has weighed in on the matter, stating that the Karandi-Mochongoi road is 59 percent complete. He claimed that the delays in finishing the project were due to continuous rains that have hampered construction progress. While this explanation offers some context, it does little to alleviate the frustrations of residents who have been waiting for years for the road to be completed.

The ongoing protests in Eldama Ravine are a reflection of the broader dissatisfaction with the state of infrastructure in Baringo County. The residents, burdened by impassable roads and broken promises, are demanding immediate action from their leaders. Without a clear plan for road improvements, the economic and social well-being of the community remains at risk. The protests serve as a powerful reminder of the critical need for government accountability and swift intervention to address the infrastructure challenges facing the region.