Kirinyaga Residents Build Bridge By Themselves After 3 People Die While Crossing River

• Residents of Togonye came together to build the bridge swept away by floods at River Kie in Kirinyaga
• Most businesses were disrupted as movement to and from Kutus and other nearby towns was hampered, resulting in inconveniencies
• Residents said they took it upon themselves to repair the bridge for the safety of their children, who are resuming school this week

Residents in Togonye put in joint efforts to build a bridge at River Kie in Kirinyaga after floods swept it away the bridge.

The river killed three people who were attempting to cross it after a heavy downpour swept it away, cutting off the link between Kutus and other nearby towns.

"We are gathered here as residents to build the bridge here to day which has become a menace to the village. We have a burial on Tuesday for a woman who tried crossing the river and was swept away by floods," a resident said.

According to the residents, the road had been allocated funds, but later on, they learned the money had been directed to another county.

"This road had been allocated specific amount to be tarmacked . it had started in Kutus, Kimbembe to Togonye. It is unfortunate that the money has been reallocated to another county," he added.

Why residents have decided to build the bridge?

As school reopen, parents in the area said they were concerned with the safety of their children and wanted to fix the bridge in advance.

They also wanted to continue doing their businesses with other towns without being inconvenienced .

"This is a personal call to place the stones and have our business back. Our children are reopening on Monday, May 13, they could not cross the hazardous bridge," another resident added.

Two sisters swept away in Nakuru

Two sisters from Nessuit villlage in Nakuru County were swept away by floods while on their way to the farm, efforts by the elder sister went in vain after they were overwhelmed by water.

The two bodies were recovered at River Ndarugu in Njoro Sub-County after three days of searching by local divers.

What to know about floods in Kenya

As the floods continue, Ministry of education said schools in 7 counties will not reopen following heavy rains witnessed

Government announced a monthly stipend of KSh 10,000 for Nairobi residents as they look for an alternative settlement

Ministry of education said second-term dates will not be extended as the two weeks lost have not affected the second-term calendar