Driving or walking along Nairobi City roads in the evening or early morning has become increasingly dangerous due to the lack of functional or vandalised streetlights.
This darkness has resulted in a surge in hit-and-run accidents and a high number of muggings involving pedestrians and motorists.
Most accidents occur in areas without footbridges, where pedestrians must contend with vehicles while navigating the busy roads, particularly during the evening, at night, and in the early morning hours.
The most affected roads include Airport North Road, Bogani Road, Lunga Lunga Road, James Gichuru Road, Mbagathi Road, Naivasha Road, Outering Road, Mombasa Road, and Jogoo Road.
For instance, along Outering Road, stretching 21km from the Tajmall Area up to Allsops, there is complete darkness. Similarly, North Airport Road from Cabanas also experiences total darkness due to vandalism of streetlights.
In certain areas, electricity poles stand tall but lack light lanterns.
The busy road, which has borne the brunt of vandalism, has also witnessed the removal of most of the metal barriers that divide the lanes.
Concerned Kenyans have taken to social media to seek intervention.
John Cheboi, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), clarified that their mandate does not encompass the installation and repair of streetlights. Instead, they focus on construction, suggesting that inquiries should be directed to the Nairobi county government.
Cheboi explained, "Kenya Power is allocated funds, which are deducted as a utility cost at a certain percentage when you purchase power tokens. This money is managed by the Nairobi county government, which is responsible for repairing and maintaining street lights."
[James Wanzala]
