Mudavadi to inspect border post as residents demand compensation

“The government must step in and compensate families who lost everything due to this road project." Chelabit said.

Meshack Masika, another affected resident, lamented that his home and business were demolished six years ago when the road was paved. He criticized the government for delaying compensation, which he says runs into millions of shillings.

“We lost everything. Our homes, our businesses. Some of us have been struggling to rebuild our lives, yet the government remains silent on compensation,” said Masika.

Masika further revealed that some graves of their loved ones were destroyed during the construction, and to date, families have not been able to conduct traditional rituals to honor them.

Former Chepchoina location Chief Richard Kirui echoed these concerns, arguing that despite the multi-billion shilling investment in the road, residents continue to suffer.

“This road was supposed to enhance trade between Kenya and Uganda, yet many locals are struggling. We appeal to President William Ruto to intervene and ensure compensation is paid so that affected families can regain their livelihoods,” said Kirui.

The Suam OSBP project began in 2021 with the launch of construction and the concurrent upgrading of the 45-kilometer Kitale-Suam highway.

Beyond compensation, residents are also worried about the risks posed by the road’s construction. Cosmas Wabomba criticized the contractor for failing to build retaining walls and drainage systems in some parts of the road, warning that this oversight could be dangerous, especially during the rainy season.

“Without proper drainage, rainwater will flood homes and businesses. The government must act before disaster strikes,” Wabomba cautioned.