Nakuru fights to reclaim lost crown


Published on 14/11/2009

by Victor Mukele

Back in the 1970s, Nakuru was one of the cleanest towns in East and Central Africa.Its clean streets, well-maintained flowerbeds and the relaxing atmosphere not only attracted visitors but also made it a preferred holiday and weekend destination for former presidents Mzee Jomo Kenyatta and Daniel Moi.

Due to its beauty and pleasant atmosphere, the two former presidents built homes in Nakuru — Kenyatta in Rongai and Moi in Kabarak.

Kenyatta was a frequent visitor to Lake Nakuru National Park while Moi rarely missed a weekend in Nakuru.

Then, the Municipal Council of Nakuru employees used brooms and water cannons to make the town spotless clean. So clean was the town that a former MP, Mark Mwithaga, ones remarked: "There was no need for a shoe shiner on the street."

"The streets were not as muddy as they are today, I would walk from one corner of Kenyatta Avenue to another without minding about mud and dust," Mr Mwithaga recalled in a recent interview.

But in recent years, the headquarters of Rift Valley Province has been choking in filth.

Open manholes and streets flowing with sewage are the order of the day.

Street vendors occupy every empty space on the main streets, where they display wares ranging from grocery to clothing. Walking along the streets is a nightmare.

Facelift

As the town grapples with hawkers, poor road network and poor waste disposal system, calls for a facelift have borne fruits.

Plans are under way to upgrade slums and improve service delivery.

Already, flowers and trees have been planted along roads and strategic places within and outside the Central Business District.

Streetlights have been put along the Nakuru/Nairobi and Nakuru/Eldoret highways.

The once dark Kenyatta Avenue has now been lit, making the CBD safe at night.

Moi Road, which leads to the famous Afraha Stadium and Kanu Street have been lit too.

Two roundabouts in the East and West of the town are now sights to behold. They have well-trimmed lawns and flowerbeds.

New ultramodern buildings complement the town’s beauty and have attracted six financial institutions. However, the beautification has a long way to go as the town still struggles with many challenges. As you travel along Nakuru-Eldama Ravine road, a big chunk of land filled with garbage is conspicous.

Mayor John Kitilit says plans are under way to relocate the Gioto dumping site away from the town centre.

He says the council has acquired a 50-acre land at Delamere Estates for garbage disposal

The town is yet to tap its full potential in attracting more tourists. The facelift is also expected to pave way for the revival of the long awaited construction of the Nakuru airport. Kitilit says a 624-acre land has been earmarked for the airport.

"The council has been having talks with the Kenya Airport Authority and we have been assured funds will be set aside for the airport," he says.

 

 

Read all about: Facelift City council

 

 

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