Truck parking chaos frustrate Mlolongo residents

A growing crisis is unfolding in Mlolongo as long-distance trucks continue to flood residential streets, turning once-quiet neighbourhoods into makeshift truck yards.

What began as a few trucks parking overnight has now become a daily headache for residents.

Roads meant for small vehicles and pedestrians are now lined with heavy-duty trailers, causing serious congestion, blocked access routes, and increased risk for pedestrians, especially children.

The presence of these trucks is also contributing to noise and air pollution.

With engines idling for hours and trucks arriving and leaving at odd hours, the peaceful environment many residents once enjoyed has been replaced with constant rumbling and fumes.

Some residents have raised concerns about a rise in insecurity in areas where trucks park for long periods.

At the heart of the problem is a lack of designated parking areas for truckers. With Mlolongo sitting on a major transit route between Nairobi and Mombasa, it has become a common stop for truck drivers.

“Since we do not have proper truck stops or holding yards, many drivers resort to parking wherever they can find space, often in residential zones,” said John Musyoka, a resident of Mlolongo.

Musyoka told Wananchi Reporting that despite repeated complaints to the county government and local authorities, not much has changed.

Residents say their calls for action have largely been ignored, with only a few temporary clear-outs that last a day or two before trucks return.

The situation reflects a larger issue in urban planning, where infrastructure development has failed to keep up with rapid population growth and increased commercial traffic.

Until a sustainable solution is found,  such as the creation of a designated truck yard or stricter enforcement of traffic laws,  Mlolongo residents remain stuck with a problem they didn’t cause but are being forced to live with every day.