Residents of Njoga and Karia-ini villages in Ndia Constituency, Kirinyaga County, have resorted to building their own bridge across River Rwamuthambi after nearly a decade of waiting for government intervention.
The villagers say they were forced to take action following eight years of unfulfilled promises from local leaders, despite repeated appeals for a permanent bridge to connect their communities.
According to resident Cecilia Wanjohi, the decision came out of frustration after years of hardship and being cut off during the rainy season.
“We have suffered for years trying to cross this river. During heavy rains, it becomes impassable, forcing us to walk several kilometres to access markets and coffee factories,” she said.
To ease their struggles, the residents contributed money to purchase timber, nails, and sacks to build a temporary bridge. They say it was their only option after government promises failed to materialize.
Another villager, Jecinta Wakiine, lamented that the poor infrastructure has made it costly and risky for residents to access essential services.
“We’ve spent so much money trying to reach hospitals and markets because of this problem. It’s unacceptable that leaders have ignored our cries for so long,” she said.
The villagers have now issued a two-week ultimatum to their elected leaders, demanding a clear and immediate plan for the construction of a permanent bridge.
“We are tired of empty promises. We want action, not words,” said one resident during a tense community meeting at the riverbank.
Residents are calling on the Kirinyaga County Government and area MPs to prioritize the project, saying the neglected bridge poses a serious safety risk and continues to isolate families on both sides of the river.
The community’s initiative has drawn widespread attention across Kirinyaga, highlighting the ongoing struggle many rural Kenyans face in accessing reliable infrastructure despite years of government pledges.
