Motorists in Kisii want the government to expand the road connecting Kisii and Keroka towns to facilitate good transportation along the key highway.
Hundreds of potholes forming along the 26 kilometers stretch are also giving the drivers nightmares.
Speaking separately, the motorists demanded that urgent action be taken to seal the gaping potholes.
“We have reported these potholes countless times to the authorities but no action is being taken yet,” said Tom Getuma, a driver.
A nightmarish stretch, especially at Eremo, a notorious blackspot has become a growing concern for local drivers, some reporting a spike in near-misses, flat tires, and minor accidents over the past months .
The trouble spot, a sharp curve combined with a large pothole and unclear signage, has been the subject of a string of complaints to the authorities.
Dozens of potholes have already formed at the stretch between Nyankoba and Rigoma junction making a mockery of the effort done in repairing the busy highway.
Drivers say the combination of poor workmanship done by the contractor who also abandoned work in November, 2024 appears to exacerbate the situation.
“I have nearly lost control twice trying to make that curve,” said George Mogire another matatu operator.
“You think the lane continues one way, then suddenly you are hitting the brakes or swerving to avoid the huge pothole . It is a time bomb. Possibly a bad accident would awaken the leaders typical of the kind of leadership we have in Africa.”
More motorists expressed growing concerns about vehicle damage and safety hazards, especially during rainy weather like now when potholes become less visible.
“I recently hit a pothole so hard that I spent about Sh3000 in doing repairs,” Zippporah Gathoni, a car owner lamented.
Secretary to the Gusii Elders Council Angwenyi Bosire wants the highway expanded from Sotik to Kisii town.
He said Kisii has increasingly grown into a robust commercial hub with great demand for good roads.
“I have made calls now and again that let our leaders work out on modalities of expansion to avoid accidents also. Let our leaders share this with the president I think he can order that something to be done here,” he said
A call to the authorities for answers was not answered. The government had two years ago announced plans to expand the road.
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