Garissa lobby calls for urgent repair of county roads

A lobby in Garissa has urged the Kenya Rural Roads Authority and Kenya Urban Roads Authority to rehabilitate and upgrade the deteriorating road network in the county.

In a formal notice issued to the two authorities, Garissa County Community Development Watchdog Group, on behalf of Garissa residents, expressed deep concerns over the worsening condition of roads, many of which have become impassable, severely affecting transport and businesses.

The group also alleged works on some of the roads constructed recently was shoddy, saying they fail to meet acceptable engineering standards, leading to rapid deterioration and wastage of public resources.

"We are putting KeRRA and KURA on notice to act swiftly and ensure all roads are done to the highest quality standards. Our residents deserve better," group chairman Hassan Gumo said.

“Residents from across the county have continuously raised complaints regarding the deplorable condition of our road network. Many critical roads have become impassable, severely impacting transportation, trade, education, healthcare access and emergency services. The situation is exacerbated during the rainy seasons, causing widespread suffering among commuters and business owners alike,”  the statement read.

The group is now calling for the urgent rehabilitation of all damaged and impassable roads in the county, strict compliance with national and county road construction standards and specifications in all ongoing and future projects.

It is also calling for a robust supervision and quality assurance at all stages of road works to prevent wastage of public resources as well as public engagement and transparency, including regular updates to residents on the progress and timelines of roadworks.

They also want contractors who deliver sub-standard work held responsible and corrective actions taken without delay.

The group copied the protest letter to all members of Parliament from the county, the Garissa governor, the EACC Northeastern regional office, the county commissioner, the Office of the Auditor-General (Northeastern region), the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Garissa Human Rights Watch Group.

The watchdog group has warned that failure to act promptly will lead to broader civic action to demand accountability and service delivery.

“In light of the above, and in line with our responsibility to represent the voice and interests of the people of Garissa county, we hereby put KeRRA and KURA on formal notice and demand for immediate actions as stated above,” he said.