Chaos, disorder return to Luthuli despite Sh24 million facelift

Two years ago, Luthuli Avenue in Nairobi got a Sh24 million facelift.

The road, which was ever chaotic road, was rehabilitated and turned into a one-way street in an attempt to expand pedestrian walkways and make businesses visible and convenient to buyers after the business community complained.

The county government kicked out matatus and the road shrank to allow for wider sidewalks, space for trees and some benches.

The once noisy and chaotic road got some order. Pedestrians can relax on street benches, stroll comfortably along this street.

A spot check by The Nairobian has, however, established that Luthlui is back to its old, unsafe days; matatus are back, benches broken flowers uprooted.

Some traders who spoke to us said the rehabilitation project turned out to be a white elephant and some vices like electronic con games are creeping back.

"Luthuli is no longer safe. Matatus, tuk-tuks and boda boda riders are back, sometimes knocking down pedestrians on sections that were preserved for them," John Kibe, a trader along Luthuli said.

"The area has also attracted vandals, not long ago someone came up with a good idea of free charging ports but the whole thing was vandalised. Street gamblers are back and conmen posing as promotional agents conning people," he added.

The traders say, the initial plan to kick out matatus had brought much-needed relief but for about six months now some customers are not able to access some shops.

"Some customers who used to frequent the areas have stopped coming because of the insanity around, we hope Governor Sakaja will reconsider the plan," Alice Mwangi, another trader said.