Residents of Migori County are calling for a comprehensive audit and reconstruction of all major bridges in the area after a section of the main Migori bridge collapsed, prompting the Kenya National Highways Authority (KENHA) to close it for safety.
Locals told Wananchi Reporting that the main bridge is heavily relied upon by both pedestrians and vehicles, including motorbikes, putting users at serious risk. The collapse has heightened fears over the safety of other aging and fragile bridges in the county.
Among the structures of concern are the Ongoche Bridge, Kalangi Bridge, and Ndemra Bridge. Kalangi Bridge, built during the colonial era, still relies on wooden planks for support, raising worries about its ability to withstand increased rainfall and heavy traffic.
Security concerns have also emerged after a suspected explosive, commonly referred to as “baruti,” was discovered buried under Kalangi Bridge near Macalder mines, a key area in Migori’s gold-rich region. This incident underscores the urgent need for both structural repairs and enhanced security measures on vital infrastructure.
Residents are urging local authorities and national agencies to conduct immediate safety inspections, prioritize reconstruction where necessary, and implement measures to prevent potential tragedies from the county’s aging bridges.
With rising rainfall in the region exerting additional pressure on infrastructure, timely action is seen as crucial to safeguarding lives and sustaining economic activity in Migori.
