Residents of Usoma in Kisumu West have raised the alarm over the poor condition of Nkurumah Road, urging both the county and national governments to intervene urgently. The road, which links the old airport route to the Kenya Pipeline Company, has become nearly impassable, affecting businesses and daily commuting.
For months, locals have endured the deteriorating state of the road, which they say is riddled with potholes and lacks proper drainage. The situation worsens during rainy seasons, with vehicles frequently getting stuck and commuters forced to walk long distances. This has resulted in increased maintenance costs for motorists and disruptions to local businesses.
“Every week, I spend thousands repairing my car. This road is ruining livelihoods,” lamented James Otieno, a shop owner along the route.
On Tuesday, dozens of protestors marched to the offices of the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) in Kisumu, demanding immediate rehabilitation of the road. Carrying placards and chanting slogans, the residents called for swift action and accountability from local and national leaders.
Bodaboda riders, who rely heavily on the road for daily income, joined the protest, urging area politicians to step up and champion their cause.
“This is our daily route. We risk accidents every day. We need this road fixed, now,” said John Omondi, a bodaboda operator.
In response, KENHA officials acknowledged the complaints and assured residents that temporary repairs will be undertaken to ease mobility. They also disclosed that a full reconstruction project is scheduled to begin in September.
While the promise of future improvements offers a glimmer of hope, residents insist they cannot wait that long. They have vowed to continue holding peaceful demonstrations until the road is fixed.
“We will not stop until we see machines on the ground,” said Mary Achieng’, a community leader.
The situation highlights the broader issue of infrastructure neglect in peri-urban areas and the urgent need for consistent road maintenance to support local economies and ensure safety for all road users.
