This archive report was first published on 6 November 2019.
For over 15 years, Alex Musyoki, a 54-year-old farmer, has been ferrying people across the swollen Athi River in a small inflatable boat, locally known as Ndombolo.
With his bare hands, he paddles the boat diagonally across the crocodile-infested section of the river, carrying passengers and their luggage. The boat can only accommodate six people at a time, with their backs touching each other and their feet dangling over the edges.
Each passenger pays Sh50 to cross the river, while the cost of luggage depends on its shape and weight. Waiting boda boda riders pick the passengers and take them to their final destinations.
Mr. Musyoki's journey began 17 years ago when he bought the boat in Mombasa to access his farm on the other side of the river. Locals relied on a team of divers, who would charge for their services and require passengers to strip naked before crossing the river, as they believed clothes increased the risk of drowning.
However, Mr. Musyoki's introduction of the rubber dinghy has made it safer for people to cross the river, especially during the rainy season. He has rescued three people who were at risk of drowning during a deluge in April and May last year.
Despite his efforts, Mr. Musyoki's biggest concern is that no one in the region seems interested in learning how to operate the boat. He has been trying to train three young men, but they are scared stiff when the river swells.
Mr. Musyoki's services have opened up an underdeveloped section of Kitui County, which is poorly served by road networks, hospitals, schools, markets, and mobile money transfer outlets. He takes pride in helping the sick access medication, enabling pupils and students access schools, farmers till their lands, and making it possible for traders to access markets.
However, Mr. Musyoki is among the residents who have been appealing for the installation of a bridge across the channel. Local politicians have pledged to have it installed, but have reneged on the promise once they rise to power.
