The Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) has given the Director General of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Silas Kinoti seven days to address the poor state of roads in Nairobi.
The commission in a statement on Thursday, December 5 revealed that it recently received several complaints from Kenyans who lamented the pathetic state of roads within the city.
It disclosed that the ultimatum was also informed by numerous videos circulating on various media platforms showing potholes on major city highways.
Among the roads highlighted include routes connecting Jogoo Road to Landhies Road near Muthurwa Market, Soweto-Masimba Road, and the Kilimani and Upper Hill areas.
Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director General Silas Kinoti at a meeting on November 9, 2023.
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KURA
Additionally, the Commission also raised concern over widespread flooding in Nairobi, attributing it to blocked, poorly maintained, or inadequate drainage systems.
The ombudsman noted that the current state of the roads in Nairobi immensely contributed to increased road accidents which led to fatalities, injuries, property damage, and severe traffic congestion.
“According to Section 10 (2) (a) of the Kenya Roads Act, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority is mandated to construct, upgrade, rehabilitate, and maintain all public roads in cities and municipalities across Kenya, except for national roads,” stated the commission.
“In light of these concerns, the Commission requests that the Director General of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority provide a detailed response within seven days,” the statement added.
In its letter to KURA, the commission demanded a comprehensive assessment report on the current state of the roads, detailing the severity of potholes and the condition of drainage systems and road markings.
Furthermore, the Ombudsman demanded details of immediate measures to mitigate the risks posed by current road conditions, including temporary repairs or management strategies.
The notice comes against the backdrop of the recent road maintenance works along major roads in Nairobi. One such maintenance work includes the ongoing construction of an underpass along the Uhuru Highway at the Haille Sellasie roundabout.
Three days ago, KeNHA completed the repair works along the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway at the Mukapa Bridge and Changamwe Interchange. Others include the ongoing renovation works along Waiyaki Way.
Vehicles along Uhuru Highway in Nairobi.
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KeNHA