Community Takes Action to Improve Local Infrastructure
For many years, the residents of Njoga and Karia-ini villages in Ndiaconstituency, Kirinyaga county, have faced significant challenges due to the poor condition of the road connecting their communities. This has forced them to carry their farm produce on their backs, making it difficult to transport goods efficiently.
Despite repeated promises from leaders during election periods, the villagers have continued to struggle with inadequate infrastructure. In response, they decided to take matters into their own hands by constructing a makeshift bridge across the river Rwamuthambi. This initiative aims to improve access between the two villages and ease the burden on local transporters.
The Need for a Better Solution
Before the construction of the makeshift bridge, bodabodas (motorcycle taxis) had to take a long route that cost around Sh300 per trip. This high cost made it unaffordable for many residents, who often opted to walk instead. The situation became even more challenging during the rainy season when the river became dangerous to cross.
Cecilia Wanjohi, a resident of Njoga village, explained that the project was initiated after a collective decision among households to contribute funds toward the bridge’s construction. “We used the money to buy materials and then worked on the bridge in turns,” she said. This effort is expected to reduce transportation difficulties and make it easier for people to earn a living.
Wanjohi also highlighted how the high cost of transporting farm produce to the market makes it hard for their products to compete with those from other areas. Despite having elected leaders for decades, she noted that these leaders have never taken action to address the issue.
Building the Bridge
The community sourced timber from nearby farms and used sacks filled with soil to support the structure from underneath. Jecinta Wakiine added that the lack of proper infrastructure has led to significant expenses for accessing government services such as healthcare and coffee factories.
She mentioned that the risk of crossing the river during the rains has made the situation even more dangerous. Although the county government has acquired land on the riverbanks for a permanent bridge, the residents feel that their MP, George Kariuki, has not done enough to advocate for their needs.
Criticism of Local Leadership
Residents accused Kariuki, who is the chairperson of the roads committee in the national assembly, of failing to push for projects that could improve their lives. They pointed out that despite being in office for three years, he has not acted on their requests.
The current makeshift bridge, while helpful for daily activities, cannot accommodate vehicles, which limits transportation between the two villages. The community hopes that a permanent bridge will be built soon to allow for the efficient transport of their produce.
Elijah Kimani urged the MP to ensure that the existing bridge is upgraded, emphasizing its importance to the local economy. He questioned why local leaders have left the residents to fend for themselves when they have access to government resources.
Looking Ahead
The efforts of the residents highlight the importance of community-driven solutions in addressing infrastructure challenges. While the makeshift bridge provides some relief, the need for a permanent solution remains urgent. The hope is that local leaders will finally fulfill their promises and invest in the development of the region.