Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja has revealed plans to crack down on contractors within Nairobi who are partly responsible for the deplorable state of roads in the city.
Sakaja specifically mentioned contractors in the Kilimani and Kileleshwa areas, urging them to repair roads that were left damaged as a result of their construction projects.
While speaking during a radio show on Wednesday, the governor warned that rogue contractors who failed to comply ran the risk of losing their occupational licenses altogether.
“All contractors, especially those in Kilimani and Kileleshwa, where roads have been dilapidated by trucks on construction sites, must restore the roads before they are issued with occupation licenses,” Sakaja said.
An apartment in Nairobi’s Kilimani estate
Jiji
The governor cited Chania Avenue in Kilimani which, despite being home to lush apartments, had a road network that was rigged with potholes.
He added: “Chania Avenue has been a mess. Shoddy jobs have been done several times over the years. This time around, we shall make it right, I want to assure those residents that in due time those roads will be repaired.”
Many roads in Nairobi estates, which were badly damaged, were typically overused by heavy trucks not meant for those routes. Sakaja, however, assured that there were upscale efforts to recarpet different roads in the city.
While admitting pressure from his electorate to correct poor infrastructure in Nairobi, Sakaja identified roads as one of the main areas of focus. The governor further revealed consultations with President William Ruto since Kenyans could not distinguish whether a road was within the county or national government’s jurisdiction.
“With the County Government and National Government coming together, we shall address not only the roads in Kilimani but every single road in Nairobi,” he revealed.
Among the roads the county government has singled out for recarpeting include Kisauni Road in Nairobi West Ward, Kawangware Market Road, Pam-Baraka Road Mung’etho in Mowlem Ward and Nyayo Highrise Roads.
Acess roads including the one leading to Ruthimitu Girls High School in Uthiru, the access road to Roysambu Primary School in Zimmerman, Lenana B Road in Ngando Ward and Nyangusu Road in Umoja are also set for repairs.
Besides roads, Sakaja also recently announced a city beautification project which would entail repainting buildings within the Central Business District and beyond.
In fresh directives, all buildings within Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and parts of Westlands and Upper Hill. Â will have to be fitted with a fresh coat of paint within the next three months
An aerial view of buildings within Nairobi CBD.
Photo
World Bank