Kirinyaga: Kiringa bridge swept away by floods

Residents of Kabare and surrounding areas in Gichugu, Kirinyaga County, are facing significant challenges accessing essential services following the destruction of the Kiringa Bridge by floodwaters.

The bridge, a critical transport link for the community, had temporarily been replaced with a makeshift structure, but it too was carried away by the rising waters.

The sudden loss of the bridge has disrupted the movement of people and goods, dealing a blow to local businesses and farmers who depend on the route to transport their produce to markets.

Motorists travelling from Kimunye and Kerugoya are now being forced to take longer alternative routes through Kabare–Kutus Road or Kabare–Kiamiciri to reach their destinations.

Residents say they are particularly worried about their safety, especially with the temporary footbridge erected by the contractor.

Elias Migwi said there are fears that even the footbridge could be swept away by the swelling waters of River Kiringa if the heavy rains continue.

Parents are also expressing concern over their children’s safety as they struggle to get them to school.

Jane Wanjiru said many families are forced to wake up very early because the temporary footbridge may not withstand the ongoing rainfall, making it difficult for pupils to reach Kabare Primary School.

The impact is also being felt in the agricultural sector. Stephen Mwangi noted that transporting coffee will be difficult, while routine activities such as delivering milk to collection centres have also become a challenge.

He added that even taking patients to hospital has become complicated, saying he recently spent almost double the fuel travelling from Kabare Dispensary to Kerugoya Hospital after finding there were no drugs at the dispensary.

Residents are also blaming the contractor for what they term poor timing and planning, questioning why construction was undertaken during the rainy season.

Gatumu Nyuki lamented that the bridge project had sufficient time to be completed earlier, but instead, construction was carried out during heavy rains, resulting in the structure being washed away.

Residents say the situation highlights the need for stronger infrastructure planning and better emergency response mechanisms to protect communities from the impact of natural disasters.

They are now calling for urgent intervention by authorities to restore access and address the challenges facing the affected communities.