This archive report was first published on 1 July 2021.
Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA) constructed the Sh1.5 billion Mbita Bridge in Homa Bay County in March 2013 to boost the blue economy.
The bridge, which connects Rusinga Island to Mbita town on the mainland, was commissioned by President Uhuru Kenyatta in July 2017.
However, the bridge is now facing collapse due to vandalism, with residents expressing concern over the destruction of the lighting system and theft of bridge metals.
Rusinga MCA Okuku Miregi said the bridge might collapse anytime if vandalism is not contained, adding that the destruction of the lighting system had opened the bridge to thieves and vagabonds who pose a security threat.
"What is happening at the bridge is illegal. It had a proper lighting system; now all we have is darkness," said Mr Miregi.
He urged residents to stop vandalising the bridge, saying the government played its role very well by rescuing them from tribulations they were going through when the bridge was not there.
"Let us protect it," said Miregi.
Interviews with a number of people reveal that the bridge has played a huge role in the economic revival of Homa Bay since it was commissioned, with Rusinga township on Rusinga Island experiencing rapid growth.
Residents said investors have been lured to the town and have put up business buildings, with accessibility of the town through the bridge motivating many investors.
Primary and secondary school pupils from the mainland can now go to schools on Rusinga island, while the bridge has also enhanced tourism on the island.
The island hosts a mausoleum for celebrated freedom fighter and nationalist Tom Mboya, and is also the site where the early man, Proconsul africanus, was discovered by Mary Leakey between 1947 and 1948.
