Residents in Taita Taveta County have called on the county government to urgently prioritize the repair of deteriorating rural roads that have become nearly impassable, especially in the wake of ongoing heavy rains.
Speaking to Citizen Digital, residents from areas such as Marungu expressed frustration over the poor condition of the road leading to Kasighau. The damaged road has severely disrupted transport and access to essential services, including schools, health facilities, and local markets. Farmers, traders, and families have been hit hardest, with many struggling to move goods or reach critical services due to the worsening state of the roads.
“This road is our lifeline, and its current state is making life very difficult,” said one local farmer. “We can’t access markets to sell our produce, and children are missing school because transport is nearly impossible.”
The community is also raising concerns about how county funds allocated for infrastructure repairs are being used. Residents have urged the county administration to enhance transparency and accountability in road project implementation, insisting that public resources must be effectively managed and directed towards restoring mobility in the region.
“We want to see where the money goes and ensure that it is used for its intended purpose,” a Marungu resident said. “It’s not just about patching roads but doing it right.”
They are calling for the adoption of long-lasting and sustainable road repair solutions, rather than temporary fixes that get washed away during the next rainy season. Residents believe that investing in durable infrastructure will ensure safer and more reliable transport links for years to come.
The poor state of feeder roads in Taita Taveta has become a growing concern as climate change contributes to more frequent and intense weather events. Without urgent intervention, residents warn that the region could face further economic and social hardships.
They are now appealing to both the county and national governments to act swiftly and decisively to restore the affected roads and safeguard the livelihoods of communities across Taita Taveta.
