By Tobias Ogutu
Government projects implemented within communities are designed to bring visible changes. There are well-structured channels that these projects follow before being introduced in the community. The most crucial aspect is public participation, where residents have the opportunity to decide which projects they want in their area. In Kisumu East, the River Auji project has become a source of confusion, leaving residents to wonder where the allocated funds are disappearing.
River Auji stretches from Mamboleo to Lake Victoria, covering a distance of twenty-one kilometers. During the rainy season, its banks break, causing the water to flood the surrounding areas and posing a threat to residents. The immediate community has suggested several ways to manage the river during this season, including desiltation, planting bamboo grass, and reinforcing the riverbank with concrete walls. However, the government has consistently focused on a single solution—desilting—which has not had a significant impact.
Desiltation of this river began many years ago when I was still in third grade, and for over 20 years, it has remained a topic of budget allocation. This is not due to the river’s large volume of water or its extensive length, but rather because the project implementers view it as a means of generating personal profit. Each time there is a budget allocation for the river, the work completed does not correspond to the amount allocated.
Residents had hoped for significant improvements following the devolution of governance, but conditions have only worsened. Since the inception of county government, Kisumu County has consistently included the River Auji project in its County Integrated Development Plan (CIDP). However, there has been little change in the condition of the River Auji. Funds allocated for this project are being misappropriated for the personal use of a select group of individuals.
The county government is capable of building and maintaining a road that exceeds twenty-one kilometers; however, managing the Auji River has become a challenge for them. It appears that the county government is indifferent to the river’s condition, yet why do they continue to siphon funds from the treasury for it?
The mystery of the River Auji project lies in the fact that, even if the public refuses to include it in the budget during public participation, it will still be incorporated into the CIDP. This indicates that certain individuals are benefiting from the project.
The public opinion regarding the mysterious Auji River project is that it should be entrusted to youth groups and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) for management. The county government should focus on facilitating these groups rather than directly managing the project. By adopting this approach, the county can achieve two objectives: it will establish a sustainable solution for managing the Auji River while simultaneously creating employment opportunities for residents.
