Abandoned and Cut Off: Kipsiwon Road Sparks Protest Among Residents

The early morning calm in Kipsiwon village was shattered today as scores of residents poured onto the dusty paths, wielding twigs and chanting slogans, in a rare but resolute protest against what they described as years of neglect by the Bomet County administration.

Their grievance? The deplorable state of the Sachangwa–Kipsiwon road, a vital six-kilometer stretch that has become nearly impassable following the recent heavy rains.

“We are not here to cause chaos,” said Jane Rotich, a mother of three who joined the demonstration with her infant strapped to her back. “We are simply asking the county government to remember we exist. This road is our lifeline.”

The road, which links Kipsiwon village to the nearby market center of Sachangwa and other major routes in Bomet Central, has been left battered by torrential downpours. Deep gullies now mark what was once a smooth rural access road, forcing boda boda operators, farmers, schoolchildren, and emergency vehicles to seek longer, more hazardous alternative routes.

“It now takes us nearly an hour to get to the market,” lamented Samuel Kirui, a local farmer. “And when it rains, it’s almost impossible. We lose money, we lose time, and in some cases, people miss critical medical care because ambulances can’t get through.”

Residents pointed fingers at the Bomet County administration, accusing Governor Prof. Hillary Barchok of ignoring repeated calls for action. Protesters held placards urging Senator Hillary Sigei and the local Member of County Assembly to exercise their oversight roles and demand accountability.

"This is not just a road. It is our economy, our education, our access to health care,” said one speaker during the protest. “If the government cannot fix this, then it is failing us in every way that matters.”

While the protest remained peaceful, the emotions were raw. Elderly residents and young schoolchildren stood side-by-side in solidarity, united by a shared frustration that transcends generations.

Attempts to reach county officials for comment were unsuccessful by the time of publication. However, a junior officer at the Public Works Department, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged that the road had been flagged for repair but cited “budgetary constraints” and “delays in contractor deployment” as reasons for inaction.

Yet, for the people of Kipsiwon, such explanations ring hollow.

“They remember us during elections. That’s when they come, make promises, take tea with our elders—and disappear until the next vote,” said David Sang, a retired teacher.

The residents say they will continue to raise their voices until meaningful action is taken. For now, however, they must endure the daily grind of detours, damaged motorbikes, and dashed hopes, as the road that once connected them to opportunity remains broken under the weight of political silence.