Why these are inevitable bridges to death

Children on the way to school in parts of western Kenya are brushing shoulders with death every day due to the risky bridges they use.

The Nation has identified seven crossing points in Kisumu, Siaya, Kakamega and Vihiga counties that threaten the lives of pupils and other residents.

On September 2, five-year-old Mohammed Hamisi drowned on his way home from school as he was crossing Wigwa stream in Nyalenda B Estate, Kisumu County.

He slid and fell into the water because the bridge he was using was too low for him to notice where it started, as the stream had broken its banks.

In the same county, the Komala and Kore bridges across the Miriu stream in Nyando Constituency are low and rickety, a risk to children going to Kore Primary School.

In Siaya, the Kateg Usung Bridge across Akuoyo stream in Ugenya constituency is too low and can be invisible when water overflows, yet Ligala Primary School pupils use it daily.

Omufunje Bridge in Kakamega and Kajania in Kisumu hang precariously over deep rivers. At Omufunje, residents virtually walk a tightrope daily as they cross River Nzoia to Bungoma County.

The bridge is a contraption of wires and planks of wood, which is so risky, a user can drop into the river any minute.