Nairobi: ‘Green city in the sun’ turns into centre of potholed roads

Nairobi’s roads have become a nightmare for motorists, a stark contrast to the city priding itself as the "Green city in the sun."

The deplorable state of roads across the city emerging as a growing concern, with key areas such as the posh neighbourhoods of Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Lavington and Upper Hill bearing the brunt of neglect.

In many instances, entire road sections are in disrepair, creating hazardous conditions for drivers.

“Barabara inakaa kama shamba hata unaweza panda ndizi ama mahindi,” motorcycle rider Mtumishi Dalmus says.

Motorists are increasingly voicing frustrations over the damage caused to their vehicles by the persistent potholes and rough terrain, a situation that has dragged on for months.

“Nashinda tu garage ata sa hii nimetoka garage mteja nampeleka amevaa suti namwangusha lawama inakuwa ni yangu,” Dalmus adds.

Fellow motorist Abdul Noor agrees: “Mara mingi gari zinaharibika sana, ukipita hapa tyre zinapasuka mashimo ni kubwa kubwa.”

The crisis is further exacerbated by ongoing construction projects in some areas, which residents claim have worsened the state of the roads.

The issue is not confined to uptown neighbourhoods. Major roads such as Jogoo Road, Kenyatta Avenue, and Nyerere Road, including the roundabout connecting to University Way, are in dire need of repair.

On Jogoo Road, some residents have resorted to filling potholes themselves, highlighting the desperation and lack of immediate government intervention.

The county government, however, has distanced itself from full accountability, pointing out that certain roads fall under the jurisdiction of the national government and agencies like the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).

Despite this, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has pledged to rehabilitate the city’s infrastructure, announcing an 11-billion-shilling budget for road restoration.

“I saw a video the other day of vehicles hitting potholes at Jogoo Road…some of the roads like that one fall under the purview of national agencies,” the governor said.

In Kilimani and other affluent neighbourhoods, contractors have been instructed to restore walkways and roads before being issued occupancy certificates for new developments.

These measures aim to address the damage caused by ongoing construction activities.

“We have agreed to really restore the glory of the city and restore the aesthetic value…what we have agreed is to prioritise on roads like Kilimani, Kileleshwa and the wider CBD,” Sakaja said.

As Nairobi residents await visible progress, the governor’s promise to restore the city’s glory will be closely scrutinized.