Residents of Baraka Estate in Manyatta, Kisumu City, have appealed to Kenya Power to urgently replace a decaying pole supporting electricity lines, warning that it poses a serious danger to lives, businesses, and property.
The pole, located near Nomiya Church, serves as a makeshift electricity pole despite showing visible signs of rot. Residents say they fear it could collapse during heavy rains or strong winds, bringing down live power lines in the densely populated neighbourhood.
The residents said they have raised concerns over the tree’s condition for a long time, but no action has been taken, leaving them exposed to what they describe as an avoidable disaster.
Speaking to the Kenya News Agency, trader Nicholas Laga termed the situation “a disaster in waiting.”
“This tree is a ticking time bomb. It is already rotten, yet it continues to carry heavy electricity cables. Kenya Power must act now before lives are lost,” said Laga.
He noted that the area is home to numerous businesses, residential houses, and busy pedestrian routes, increasing the potential impact should the tree collapse.
“People pass through here throughout the day. We have shops operating nearby and families living around this place. If the pole falls, the consequences could be devastating,” he added.
Another resident, who declined to be named, said every spell of bad weather leaves residents anxious.
“Whenever strong winds blow, we fear the tree may give way. We cannot continue living under this constant threat. The authorities should intervene before disaster strikes,” she said.
Residents are now calling on Kenya Power to remove the pole and install a permanent electricity pole to guarantee public safety and ensure reliable electricity supply.
The appeal comes amid intermittent heavy rains and strong winds being experienced across the region, conditions that residents say have heightened fears over the stability of the weakened tree.
Business owners warned that the collapse of the tree could damage electricity infrastructure, trigger prolonged power outages, and disrupt commercial activities, leading to heavy financial losses.
The residents also urged the Kisumu County Government to intensify inspections of aging infrastructure in residential estates to identify and eliminate potential safety hazards before they result in accidents.
They argued that the situation highlights a broader challenge of delayed maintenance of public infrastructure in some urban settlements, exposing communities to unnecessary risks.
The residents said authorities should prioritize preventive maintenance instead of responding only after accidents occur, expressing hope that their concerns will be addressed before the looming danger turns into a tragedy.
By Faith Lumumba
