Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja found himself in the hot seat on Friday following a Citizen TV exposé on the poor state of roads in various parts of the city. The story, which highlighted the appalling conditions of roads in neighborhoods such as Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Eastlands, raised serious concerns among city residents. During a session with the Senate’s County Public Accounts and Investments Committee (CPAIC), Governor Sakaja was grilled on the matter and was expected to provide a clear roadmap for addressing the issue.
In response to the growing discontent, Governor Sakaja confirmed that discussions between the Nairobi County Government and the National Government had led to a collaborative approach to address the worsening state of roads in the city. He assured Nairobians that his administration was fully committed to rehabilitating the city’s neglected roads, which had gone for months without adequate repairs.
A Collaborative Approach to Road Repairs
The governor emphasized that both the county and national governments would work together to resolve the crisis. Roads in Nairobi fall under different jurisdictions, with some managed by the County Government, while others are under the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), or Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA). Governor Sakaja revealed that a coordinated effort was in the works, with allocated funds set to repair roads under all these agencies’ purview.
“We have agreed to work in conjunction with the National Government to address the condition of these roads. Some roads fall under the national government, while others are under the county’s mandate. This coordination will bring change, and soon Nairobi residents will notice the difference,” the governor stated.
The assurance came after several complaints from residents and motorists who had to endure potholes, waterlogging, and deteriorating road conditions. Governor Sakaja’s remarks appeared to be a direct response to the mounting pressure to find a lasting solution to the city’s crumbling infrastructure.
Construction Activities to Blame for Localized Damage
One of the primary concerns raised during the Senate session was the impact of ongoing construction activities in high-density areas like Kilimani and Kileleshwa. These neighborhoods, which have seen a boom in property development, have suffered from the heavy influx of construction trucks, which have caused significant damage to the roads. The governor addressed these concerns head-on, noting that the damage was largely due to these ongoing construction works.
“The dire state of roads in Kilimani and Kileleshwa is largely due to ongoing construction. Developers are aware they must repair the roads after completing their projects. Only then will occupancy licenses be issued,” Sakaja stated. This new directive means that developers will be held accountable for road repairs before their buildings are granted occupancy licenses, a step that could ensure that road damage is addressed as construction progresses.
Ongoing Rehabilitation Plans
In addition to the collaboration with the National Government, Sakaja highlighted the ongoing rehabilitation efforts taking place across Nairobi. These efforts, which started in the Central Business District (CBD), are also focused on Eastlands and other priority areas that have seen their roads fall into disrepair.
The governor reassured residents that the rehabilitation program would be expanded to cover more parts of the city in the coming months. However, he also urged residents to be patient as the work progresses, acknowledging the inconvenience caused by roadworks.
“Nairobians will soon notice the changes as we address the key priority areas first. It is a process, and we are committed to ensuring that the city’s infrastructure is improved for the benefit of everyone,” Sakaja remarked.
Looking Ahead
As Nairobi continues to experience rapid urbanization and population growth, the state of its infrastructure will remain a key concern for both residents and policymakers. The collaboration between the County Government and the National Government is a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen if these plans will yield the desired results in a timely manner.
For now, Governor Sakaja’s assurances, coupled with the ongoing repairs and the proposed coordinated efforts, offer hope that Nairobi’s roads will be restored to a more passable condition in the near future. As the city prepares for further development, maintaining its infrastructure will be a crucial test for the Sakaja administration in the coming years.
