Frustration is mounting in Migori County as local leaders and residents issue a seven-day ultimatum to the national government, demanding the immediate resumption of work on the collapsed Migori River bridge or face mass demonstrations.
The critical bridge, located along the main international highway linking Kenya to Tanzania and the wider East African region, collapsed months ago, severely disrupting transport and crippling local commerce.
Addressing journalists at the site of the collapsed bridge, community leaders, civil society advocates, and transport operators expressed outrage over the continued inaction despite official assurances.
These included commitments previously made by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi to prioritize funding and fast-track critical infrastructure projects across the region.
Broken promises and economic stagnation
Rashid Ouma, Chairman of Bunge la Wananchi Suna West, accused authorities of dragging their feet despite earlier promises that a contractor had been deployed.
“We are standing here at the collapsed bridge, and the situation is dire,” Ouma said.
“It has been almost two weeks since we were told a contractor was on site, yet no meaningful work is taking place. This is an international highway linking Kenya to Tanzania. We are giving a seven-day ultimatum: if proper work does not commence immediately, we will mobilize a major peaceful protest and paralyze transport operations across Migori County.”
Local leaders pointed out that the delay directly contradicts public pledges by National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, who had assured Migori residents that the government had streamlined procurement processes and allocated adequate funds to ensure infrastructure projects are completed without bureaucratic delays.
Demands for accountability
Charles Osewe, the Chair of Bunge la Wananchi Migori County, questioned the management of funds allocated for the bridge’s repair.
“Over KSh 124 million was set aside for the repair of this bridge. Where has that money gone?” Osewe asked.
“People are struggling to cross, businesses are suffering, and transport costs have doubled. We want our leaders, from the Governor to our MCAs, to stand with the people of Migori and demand that the national government complete this bridge without further delays.”
The disruption has hit the local transport sector hardest, forcing matatu operators and boda boda riders to navigate longer, hazardous detour routes.
“Life has become extremely difficult for us,” said Steve Omuga, a local boda boda operator.
“The detour costs extra fuel and time. Customers cannot afford the higher fares, and our daily earnings have dropped significantly. We need a permanent solution now, not more unfulfilled promises.”
Economic artery at risk
Evans Ochieng, Organizing Secretary of Bunge la Wananchi in Migori, emphasized the strategic importance of the highway to regional trade.
“This bridge is a critical economic artery connecting Suna West and Suna East, as well as transit traffic to Tanzania,” Ochieng noted.
“The national government continues to collect revenue along this route, yet the community is left stranded. We are calling on the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the Ministry of Roads to intervene before the local economy collapses entirely.”
With the seven-day notice officially served, local residents and transport associations maintain they will proceed with peaceful blockades across the county if heavy machinery and full-scale construction work do not resume before the deadline expires.
