Residents Demand Answers After Newly Launched Footbridge Collapses in Baringo
Residents of Chesongo and Koisomo villages are stranded after a newly launched Sh250,000 footbridge was swept away by floods just hours after commissioning in Baringo Central Constituency.
Residents of Chesongo and Koisomo villages cross the damaged section of River Kipsaraman after the newly constructed footbridge collapsed less than 24 hours after its commissioning in Baringo Central Constituency. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Residents of Chesongo and Koisomo villages in Baringo Central Constituency have been left frustrated after a newly constructed steel footbridge collapsed barely a day after it was officially opened.
The Sh250,000 bridge, which connected the two villages and nearby schools across River Kipsaraman, was reportedly carried away by raging floodwaters following heavy overnight rains on Sunday.
The project had been commissioned earlier that day by Dr Milka Toromo, a parliamentary aspirant and County Chief Officer for Agriculture, who contributed Sh200,000 toward its construction. Residents raised the remaining Sh50,000 through community efforts.
The bridge had been expected to ease movement for pupils from Koisomo and Chesongo villages, many of whom have for years crossed the river under risky conditions to reach school.
Residents said parents escorting children to school on Monday morning were shocked to find the bridge missing.
“We had waited for this bridge for years and our joy only lasted a few hours,” said project chairman Moses Chepkonga. “Parents taking children to school were the first to discover that the bridge had been swept away.”
Chepkonga explained that the community had spent nearly five years mobilising resources before finally receiving support to complete the project.
He questioned the circumstances surrounding the collapse, noting that the structure was later recovered nearly 300 metres downstream.
“We cannot continue with our normal daily activities without this bridge. Authorities must intervene and help us,” he said.
Project treasurer Isaac Chepsat said the incident would not stop residents from pursuing a stronger and more permanent bridge for the area.
“We approached both the county administration and the office of the area MP for assistance without success, which forced us to organise ourselves and seek support from well-wishers,” said Chepsat.
Another resident, Vincent Kiloo, claimed the project had previously faced opposition from some locals after learning that Dr Toromo had personally financed a large portion of the construction and presided over the launch ceremony.
“We have relied on a wooden bridge for years and it is still standing. The truth about what happened to this steel bridge will eventually come out,” Kiloo said.
Paul Cheptumo also dismissed claims that the bridge collapsed solely because of flooding, insisting the contractor had factored in the river’s water levels during construction.
“The bridge had been raised by about four metres to avoid damage from strong currents, rocks and logs carried by the river,” he said.
Residents are now calling for investigations into the incident and urging leaders to prioritise the construction of a durable bridge to guarantee safe movement for learners and villagers.
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