Muhuru Bay: Lake Victoria town where tarmac is still a 'rumour'

The ongoing rains have 'cut off' Muhuru-Bay, a border town on the shores of Lake Victoria, in Migori county, from the rest of the country.

The only bridge that links Muhuru is not currently not in use – forcing motorists and other road users to find alternative means to cross to the other side.

Residents hoping to travel out – have to spend up to Ksh600 to make their journey through the 43-kilometer stretch to Migori town.

Muhuru-Bay is known for its fish and watermelon; most of which finds its way onto most plates in Nairobi. Residents of the area, however, feeling neglected by the government.

The area, home to about 30,000 people, does not have even a single inch of tarmac—something they blame on politics.

“All our surrounding neighbours have tarmac, but our region has been neglected,” said former Muhuru Ward MCA Hevron Mahira.

 “The other day President William Ruto came here and even talked about the road, but we are still waiting,” said Mr. Mahira.

Muhuru-Bay, which is in the larger Nyatike Constituency, has never produced a Member of Parliament since Kenya got her independence.

The only tarmac in the larger Nyatike constituency tends to be found in Kadem area and Sori, Karungu.

“I think the Muhuru–Migori road is the only C113 road that has not been tarmacked in the whole of the country. The question is why?”

“There are reports the road had been budgeted for, and money allocated, why then can’t we just have the road done to end our sufferings,” posed Mr. Mahira.

Muhuru was just recently made headquarters of the newly created Nyatike South Sub-county.

Residents told Wananchi Reporting that the beautiful town is ‘dying’ because it has no tarmac road.

The town borders Tanzania along the shores of Lake Victoria – and is known to have some of the best beaches, caves, hills, baboons and other natural resources.

The residents feel that the issue has been politicised, with many politicians only talking about the road only during campaigns.

“Politicians including presidential candidates have come here every five years and promised to tarmac the road. The matter is never followed through,” said one of the residents.

Traders told said they are unable to transport goods from other areas into Muhuru-Bay, which is affecting livelihoods.

Residents are asking the government to come to their aid, and tarmac the road.