City roads closed for repairs

The Nairobi City County government has announced the closure of several roads in Nairobi to allow for upgrades and repair works.

Among the roads closed for repairs are Kipande Road and Jogoo Road.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja stated that the upgrades would prioritise addressing drainage issues and repairing persistent potholes.

“Kipande Road has been temporarily closed to facilitate a drainage upgrade aimed at addressing the persistent flooding at the Ojijo Road roundabout. The current drainage system, which consists of a 1200 mm pipe connecting to a 600 mm pipe at Ojijo, has caused backflow and significant flooding. As agreed with the national government, we have intensified roadworks. Several other roads within estates are also undergoing repairs,” said Mr Sakaja.

The county government has also announced the completion of upgrades on several roads, including Kisauni Road in Nairobi West Ward, Kawangware Market Road, Pam-Baraka Road Mung’etho in Mowlem Ward, and Nyayo Highrise Roads.

Other completed projects include the access road to Ruthimitu Girls High School in Uthiru/Ruthimitu Ward, as well as Ziwa and Kahawa Wards Roads.

At 2nd Parklands Avenue in Nairobi, the county government has embarked on the construction of a new stormwater drain to address waterlogging around the Red Ginger area.

The newly constructed stormwater drain is expected to significantly reduce the impact of heavy rains in the surrounding areas and prevent future flooding.

Mr Sakaja said the county government is seeking collaboration with the national government to ensure the timely completion of roadworks across the city.

“Nairobians don’t care whether a road falls under the county or national government; they just want it fixed. That is exactly what we are doing. I appreciate the input of the national government and our county roads department in ensuring progress. We are committed to ensuring Nairobians have better roads. Give us some time, and more areas will be addressed,” added Mr Sakaja.

Nairobi County has been grappling with the poor state of roads over the past few years. Many roads have been left in a deplorable condition, marked by potholes and inadequate drainage systems.

In November, Mr Sakaja hosted President William Ruto in Soweto, where residents raised concerns over the poor condition of roads in the area. Subsequently, a meeting between Mr Sakaja, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua, and Kenya Highways Authority (KeNHA) Director General Kungu Ndungu resolved to address the situation.

Mr Sakaja stated that the repair works would cover roads under both national and county jurisdictions, with all relevant road management agencies involved in the ongoing rehabilitation.