Migori bridge closure takes toll on residents and motorists

The bridge was a key transport link in the region – connecting bustling border towns like Sirare and Isebania to the rest of the country.

It also supported daily social and economic activity on either side of it – but not anymore.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) temporarily closed the bridge after it became unsafe for use due to structural safety concerns following heavy rains in the region.

Motorist have now been forced to use a significantly longer alternative route, pushing travel times and increasing transport costs.

KeNHA in March advised motorists to use the alternative Kiringi Bridge, a longer alternative route.

“Initially we would take a minute to cross to the other side of the town – but now we take almost 25 minutes,” said James Oloo, a motorist operating in the area.

“Some sections of the alternative route is dusty and full of potholes, which make travelling exhausting, dangerous and expensive,” said Oloo.

According to residents, the situation has disrupted essential services, movement of people and goods.

Schoolchildren now arrive late and exhausted, while traders struggle to move goods and services to markets.

Some traders have reported a sharp decline in business since closure of the bridge.

Residents are calling on Migori County Government and KeNHA to immediately work on building a new bridge, warning that the economic and social impact the closure has had in the town is aggravated by the day.