Nairobi: Parking on pavements in Eastlands sparks anger among pedestrians

Residents of Nairobi’s Eastlands area are unhappy with motorists and riders who park their vehicles on pavements, blocking important footpaths.

Pedestrians are often forced to walk on sections of roads already occupied or used by moving vehicles, which can be dangerous.

In areas such as Donholm, Umoja, Buruburu and Embakasi, parking on pavements and walkways appear to have been normalised.

Today you will find pavements meant for pedestrians turned into parking spots for delivery vans, motorcycles and private cars.

According to residents who spoke to Wananchi Reporting, the trend has continued to thrive because authorities often turn a blind eye on the infraction, even as more motorists continue to park on designated walkways without a care in the world.

According to residents, walking has become dangerous, especially during rush hours when main roads are packed with traffic.

“I am sometimes forced to step on the road, stretches used by vehicles because the pavements have been hijacked. You will easily find cars blocking the entire pavement,” says Vincent Kyalo, a businessman in Umoja.

“This is frustrating, especially when walking with children or carrying luggage,” adds Vincent.

Residents want motorists who ignore traffic rules arrested, and prosecuted based on existing laws to act as a deterrence.

Whilma Akoko, a resident of Donholm, has blamed the situation on weak enforcement of the laws by authorities.

“I often see county officers and traffic police pass here, yet do nothing. If laws were properly applied and enforced, then we won’t be having this problem,” she says.

The people are now calling on Nairobi City County and the National Transport and Safety Authority to enforce parking regulations and restore safe walking spaces in Eastlands.