Residents pool cash to repair dilapidated Kagumo road

Residents of Embu County spent the better part of Tuesday repairing a 10-km road that was rendered impassable following heavy rains.

Over 100 locals from Runyenjes Constituency were seen filling up potholes, leveling uneven surfaces, unclogging culverts and cutting overgrown bushes that had spread onto the road.

According to them, the Kathageri-Kigumo-Kanyuambora Road is categorised as Class C and consequently falls under the national government which has seemingly turned a blind eye.

Reports indicate that they had written to the Kenya Rural Roads Authority, Transport CS James Macharia, Embu Governor Martin Wambora, area MP Eric Muchangi and other leaders asking them to intervene but action is yet to be taken.

One farmer, Mr. Njiru wa Jesse, expressed his frustration saying their produce started rotting because the road prevented delivery to the market in good time.

He noted that they usually sell their fruits and vegetables at Ishiara Market but vehicles have been getting stuck on the dilapidated road.

The farmer lamented over heavy losses that they have had to endure saying they could no longer afford to wait for the government to intervene.

Catherine Wanja, headteacher at Mukuria Primary School, said the poor state of the road has inconvenienced teachers and affected learning as they come to school late or not at all.

Boda boda operators were also reportedly facing challenges when trying to maneuver the road forcing them to hike prices to Ksh.200 from Ksh.50.

One motorist, Prince Ndwiga, told Citizen Digital that a woman even gave birth on the road when the vehicle she was in got stuck in the mud enroute to Runyenjes Hospital.

Last month, angry residents took to the streets to protest the poor state of the road. Runyenjes MP Eric Muchangi Njiru Karemba later indicated that repairs would begin once the rains stop.