Residents of Mteremko in Bungoma town, alongside bodaboda riders who frequently use the Mteremko-Ekitale route, are calling for urgent intervention from the national government to complete the construction of the road. Their appeal, voiced through local Member of Parliament John Makali, comes as they express concerns over the deteriorating conditions that are negatively impacting their daily activities and livelihoods.
In 2024, the construction of the road was launched in preparation for Madaraka Day celebrations, offering the community hope for improved transport links. However, residents were left disappointed when work on the road was halted after just one kilometer of progress.
Mathew Wafula, a local car wash owner near the Khalaba River, highlighted the challenges posed by the incomplete road. “We were excited when construction began, but it’s disheartening to see it come to a standstill,” Wafula said. He also raised serious concerns over the drainage system alongside the road, which he believes is poorly constructed and could pose a safety risk to both motorists and pedestrians. The fragile drainage system, he warns, could lead to accidents in the future.
In addition to the road’s incomplete state, Wafula mentioned that his car wash business had been significantly affected. He and his workers were forced to relocate from their previous site where vehicles were parked for washing, citing the disruption caused by the ongoing construction.
During President William Ruto’s visit to Bungoma County in January, Kanduyi MP John Makali also voiced his dissatisfaction with the road’s incomplete construction. The MP has been vocal in his calls for the government to complete the project and improve the transport infrastructure in the region. Makali has urged the President to personally intervene to ensure the road is extended up to Ekitale, a key area for both local commuters and traders.

The incomplete road is also causing significant challenges for bodaboda riders like Enos Wafula, a local rider from Lutungu. “The road is in terrible condition. It forces us to constantly repair our bikes, as the rough terrain wears them down quickly,” he said. For riders who rely on their motorcycles for income, these frequent repairs add financial strain and hinder their ability to work efficiently.