The condition of roads in Homa Bay County has sparked widespread concern following the recent Linda Mwananchi caravan, which encountered numerous obstacles due to poor infrastructure.
Live footage from the event showed vehicles forced to navigate alternative routes, drawing comparisons on social media to war-torn countries and raising questions about the county’s development priorities.
Officials Acknowledge Infrastructure Challenges
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga admitted that residents in Suba have suffered from years of neglect, attributing the poor road network to longstanding political marginalisation. She emphasized that despite Luo Nyanza's support for national reforms such as the new Constitution and devolution, the region has not benefited equally from development efforts.
Governor Wanga expressed optimism about ongoing plans to improve infrastructure, including the tarmacking of the Suba Road under the current government.
Calls for Accelerated Development
Suba North Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo challenged attempts to downplay the situation by labeling the roads as mere feeder routes. She highlighted past and ongoing projects, including:
- The Homa Bay-Mbita road, upgraded during previous administrations.
- The Mbita Bridge constructed under former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
- The Rusinga Ring Road, recently tarmacked by the current government.
- Development plans for the Mfangano Ring Road and Sindo-Mbito Road.
Odhiambo called for a more urgent approach to infrastructure development in Suba, stressing that the community deserves equal attention and resources.
"Subas are Kenyans too, and it is crucial that development is accelerated in this region," she stated.
