Kisumu East residents who took to the streets on Friday to protest the poor state of Kibos-Chiga Road have been urged to exercise patience as plans to rehabilitate the road are already in motion.
Area MP Shakeel Shabbir and Kisumu East Roads Committee Chairperson Lilian Alloyce dismissed the protests as premature, insisting that the road is factored into the budget under the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
“I am aware of the concerns raised, but the road is being worked on,” MP Shakeel said, assuring residents that the project is on course.
Alloyce clarified that while work on the Chiga-Rabuor stretch is nearly complete, the Kibos-Chiga section is still under procurement, with a contractor set to begin work soon. She urged residents to seek clarification from government offices before resorting to demonstrations.
“Why rush to mobilize protests when the issue is already being addressed?” she questioned.
MP Shakeel also emphasized the need for discussions with road users, particularly heavy truck operators, to ensure proper maintenance of the road once completed. He assured residents that the project will include culverts to improve drainage during the rainy season.
The road’s deteriorating condition had forced Red Bus, a major transport service along the route, to suspend operations. In contrast, boda boda operators seized the opportunity, ferrying stranded passengers and advocating for the bus company to stay off the road.
Meanwhile, the MP addressed rising insecurity in Mamboleo and Nyamasaria, revealing plans to establish a police station near the Mamboleo slaughterhouse using CDF funds. Another station will be set up in Chiga to boost patrols and enhance security in the area.
Shabbir reaffirmed his commitment to infrastructure and security improvements, calling on residents to remain patient as the government delivers on its promises.
