Nairobi residents protest against poor state of road

Residents of Baraka, Nyayo and surrounding estates demonstrate the debilitated condition of the road that was dug a year ago by a contractor damaged the sewage line. [Jenipher Wachie/Standard]

Nairobi residents yesterday blocked a key road leading to Kayole Estate to protest against the slow pace of its construction.

Residents of Baraka Estate in Embakasi said the contractor only excavated the road and left.

They now fear that the road may be rendered impassable if the long rains start before the contractor returns to the site.

The long rainy season ideally starts in March and runs through to may.

“Since (the contractor) moved out of the site the road is unbearable as it is dusty and we fear when it starts to rain it will be worse,” said one resident.

Another one said the dust was exposing them to respiratory diseases.

The protesters lit bonfires on the busy road connecting Kayole to the Eastern bypass, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.

Anti-riot police fired tear gas to disperse the protesters.

The officers cleared the blockades, allowing free access by motorists and pedestrians.

Embakasi MP Babu Owino, who addressed the group, said he would raise the matter with relevant authorities.

He threatened to mobilise residents to continue with protests if the contractor does not return to the site. Construction of the road was ordered by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

It is not clear why the contractor moved to the site briefly before moving out.