Residents of Saos protested the poor road condition on the Eldama Ravine-Saos road, leading to several hours of halting activities.
The demonstrators used all manner of materials from tree stumps to rocks to block the important road that links Eldama Ravine town to the County Headquarters in Kabarnet through Tenges and Sacho and also links to Nakuru- Marigat highway.
The protest which is in its second week began early this morning, with protesters setting up barricades to draw attention to the road’s impassable state and its impact on local business.
The road has been in a bad state for over two years after it was contracted for repair. The demonstrators, calling for urgent repairs, used barriers and other materials to block access, leading to substantial business stand still.
Local business owners reported severe impacts, including missed deliveries, reduced customer traffic, and a general slowdown in operations as some of the traders were forced to use boda boda for long distance to access some business centers.
“We do not understand why this road has not been completed and yet the contractor has already left, it has been over 5 years of suffering in this road,” Said Bernard Konga, one of the demonstrators from Saos.
Mercy Lagat, a Saos resident, reported that an impassible road has prevented tomatoes and milk from reaching their intended destinations, leading to many pregnant women giving birth.
“During normal days I make around Ksh. 2,000 but today I have achieved nothing due to the demonstration,” Said David Koech who is a milk transporter
Authorities were quick to respond, deploying law enforcement to manage the situation and engage with the protesters. On the hand, the demonstration which was peaceful in the morning turned dramatic after few of the demonstrators clashed with police officers who were forced to lobe teargas and use rubber bullets to disperse the angry demonstrators.
The demonstrators have vowed to maintain the road barricaded until assurances of road repairs are provided calling upon the leaders to address the issue.
Residents and business owners are now forced to seek alternative routes to access their homes and stay informed through for updates on the situation and road conditions.
Some of the businesses affected are those ferrying tomatoes from Perkerra irrigation scheme in Marigat to as far as Kisii and Eldoret towns.
KNA managed to reach the Kerra official whose jurisdiction the road falls under and assured that the contractor will soon be back on the road to finish the works saying “ there are formalities being concluded so that he can finish the remaining works,” said Eng. Philip Rotich.
By Christopher Kiprop and Maureen Chesaro
