Luthuli Avenue losing beautiful face as matatus, fraudsters take over

Luthuli Avenue which has gained notoriety as Kenya’s home of all manner of electronics, underwent a robust Sh24 million rehabilitation from 2018 –  and which saw the streets get a modern pedestrian walkway, bicycle parking spot, trees, resting areas, lights and road markings.

The renovations done by the Nairobi County Government, under the tutelage of former Governor Mike Sonko, saw the Avenue turned into a one-way street complete with gadgets to control air pollution.

All the glamour that saw Luthuli get elevated as a serious contender for the position of Kenya’s Guangzhou –  the go to place for all manner of electronics – is now a distant rumour.

Traders and Kenyan shoppers are not impressed.

Traders who spoke to Wananchi Reporting said the Avenue is in a pathetic state.

“It is back to how it used to be, matatus and even trailers are back to using the avenue. The former governor Mike Sonko had made it spacious and beautiful for pedestrians,” said Peter Njoroge, Traders Association chairman in the area.

“It was a good idea, but no laws were set up to keep the Avenue free from vehicles, and conducive for those on foot, and who are the majority,’ he added.

Unlike two years ago, the dustbins and wooden seats on the avenue have now been neglected with some falling off; while in some areas street kids have converted them into their homes.

“The Avenue is no longer safe like it was just days after being renovated. Matatus and boda-bodas have taken over, sometimes pedestrians are knocked down on walkways that are clearly marked for those on foot,” Mary Waithera, a trader along the Avenue told Wananchi.

The transformation was aimed at making it easy for people to navigate through River road and Kirinyaga  road – the epicentre of Nairobi’s business.

Luthuli is also known as the playground for electronics fraudsters – something that led to the formation of a special police squad to deal with the menace.

A few months ago, officers from Kamukunji rescued a victim who was about to be conned by unscrupulous electronics dealers along Luthuli.

“The victim had paid for his new TV set but opted out of the transaction when the fraudster doubled the price immediately payment for the item was made,” the National Police Service said on its Facebook platform

At the time, the victim had given up on getting back his money until when the officers arrived.