- Garissa residents protest over a lack of electricity, poor roads, and inadequate services.
- Kenya Power and county authorities are accused of neglecting residents’ needs.
- Power outages impact schools, businesses, and health services.
- Locals demand basic services such as electricity, water, and functional dispensaries.
- The 2027 elections may be influenced by unaddressed infrastructure issues.
On Tuesday, Garissa County witnessed a public demonstration as locals rallied to demand urgent action from the government and utility providers. The protest focused on the persistent lack of electricity, poor road conditions, and insufficient public services that have left the area struggling with basic needs.
Residents, carrying placards and chanting slogans, voiced their frustration over repeated power outages, unmaintained roads, and poor service delivery. They accused Kenya Power and the county government of failing to respond to their repeated requests for electricity and basic public infrastructure.
“We’ve been to the Kenya Power offices more than 50 times, asking for electricity, but nothing has been done,” one resident stated. “Critical services cannot function without electricity and water.”
The lack of power has caused significant disruption to schools, businesses, and health services. Students are unable to study after dark, businesses close early due to insecurity from the absence of street lighting, and local health facilities are unable to operate effectively without a stable power supply.
Worsening Conditions and Growing Frustration
In addition to the power issues, residents cited the lack of clean water and functioning dispensaries as major concerns. The protestors warned that if these critical issues are not addressed soon, they will consider more drastic measures.
“We pay taxes, and we deserve basic services like everyone else,” said one protester.
This demonstration is part of a larger, growing wave of dissatisfaction with the state of services in northern Kenya. The locals are now calling on both the national and county governments to step up efforts to provide electricity, improve roads, and restore essential amenities.
As Kenya prepares for the 2027 elections, locals have warned that continued neglect of their region could influence the way the community engages in national political discourse. They stress that the urgency of infrastructure development will be a key factor in shaping future political support.
This demonstration highlights the critical importance of infrastructure in securing a better quality of life for all citizens and serves as a reminder of the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.
