Baringo residents lament after Sh250,000 bridge collapses 24 hours after being launched

Chesongo residents in Baringo Central Constituency walk across a footbridge launched by Baringo County Chief Officer Dr. Milka Toromo on May 10, 2026./KNA

Residents of Chesongo in Baringo Central Constituency retrieve a steel footbridge under water which was destroyed under unclear circumstances on May 11, 2026./KNA

Residents of Chesongo and Koisomo villages in the Baringo Central constituency are a disappointed lot after their much-sought Sh250,000 footbridge collapsed barely 24 hours after being commissioned.

The steel bridge connecting the villages and two comprehensive schools is said to have been swept away by flash floods after a night-long heavy downpour that pounded the region on Sunday.

The bridge had been commissioned on the afternoon of Sunday by Baringo Central parliamentary aspirant Dr Milka Toromo, currently serving as County Chief Officer for Agriculture, with her support of Sh200,000.

The pupils of Koisomo and Chesongo, who have been risking their lives crossing river Kipsaraman to access their learning institutions, were gearing up to use the bridge the following day for the first time, an anticipation that could not be.

Led by Moses Chepkonga, the chairman of the project, the disgruntled villagers have been left with so many unanswered questions following the incident.

Chepkonga noted that they had been struggling to source funds for the last five years until the parliamentary aspirant came to their financial rescue and even commissioned it a day before they could use it to school the following morning.

The elder stated that their joy was short-lived after receiving shocking news by parents who escorted their children that the bridge is no more.

Chepkonga, who read malice on the collapse of the bridge, retrieved 300 meters from where it was fixed and said that the community is now challenged and calls on the authorities to intervene and rescue the situation.

“We cannot continue with our normal daily routines without this bridge,” he said.

His sentiments were echoed by Isaac Chepsat, who insisted that the shortcoming will not deter their quest of having a permanent bridge which can facilitate movement of people within the area.

Chepsat, who is the treasurer of the project, noted that they have tried to seek an audience with the county administration and the office of the area member of parliament without avail; that is why they decided to mobilise support themselves.

Vincent Kiloo claimed that the project had faced resistance from some residents after knowing that Dr Toromo had given a personal donation of Sh200,000 to top up their collection of Sh50,000 and would even launch the bridge.

“We have been using a wooden bridge which is still intact, but the circumstances with this one will surely come to light, and we will not tire in fixing it,” said Kiloo.

Another resident, Paul Cheptumo, denies reports that the bridge might have been destroyed by floods due to heavy downpour within the area that fateful day.

He maintained that the bridge was in good shape, and the contractor had even considered raising the height by four meters due to the flowing water in order to avoid huge rocks and logs carried by the river.