Residents of Menyinkwa in Kisii decry garbage crisis as health fears rise

Residents of Menyinkwa in Kisii County have raised alarm over a worsening garbage crisis, citing unbearable stench, increased pests, and growing health concerns.

The foul smell, which has persisted for weeks, is emanating from heaps of uncollected waste dumped in open spaces and along roadsides across the estate. Locals say irregular garbage collection has led to accumulation and rotting of waste under the scorching sun.

Landlady Mary Moraa says the situation is already taking an economic toll, with tenants vacating her apartments due to the unbearable conditions.

“Several tenants have moved out because they cannot stand the smell,” she said, noting that the garbage has also attracted flies and rats that frequently invade homes.

Business owners are equally feeling the impact. Tom Kebarori, who runs a hotel near one of the dumping sites, says customers are avoiding his premises.

“Customers shy away from entering my hotel because of the smell from the growing mountain of garbage nearby,” he said, adding that scavengers searching for recyclable materials have further disrupted business.

For families, the situation is becoming increasingly distressing. Irene Moraa, a mother of two, says her children are forced to walk through garbage on their way to school.

“It is disturbing that my children have to step in the rotting garbage as they leave the gate,” she said.

Health concerns are also mounting among residents, with fears of disease outbreaks linked to poor sanitation. Some parents report respiratory issues among children, which they suspect could be tied to the polluted environment.

Teachers from nearby schools say the crisis is affecting learning, with foul odours and swarms of flies disrupting classrooms.

“The smell is very strong, especially in the morning. It distracts learners and makes the environment unconducive,” said one teacher, while another described constant struggles with flies as both unhygienic and risky for pupils’ health.

However, some residents, including Charles Mogire, blame poor disposal habits within the community for worsening the situation.

“People are throwing garbage along paths where janitors cannot access, making it difficult to collect the waste,” he said.

Residents are now urging the Kisii County government to urgently intervene by improving waste collection, enforcing proper disposal practices, and establishing accessible dumping sites to restore cleanliness and protect public health.