The performance Nairobi City regional government has come searing criticism over dilapidated infrastructure in high-end residential areas, once the envy of other residents of Kenyan capital. The poor nature of roads has triggered an exponential rise in armed crime.

Residents of General Mathenge neighbourhoods of Westlands and Parklands want the regional government to fix the poor road network, repaired barely 10 months ago but now in ruins. The ensuing poor condition of the roads means a rise in traffic gridlocks during peak hours in the morning and evening.

In an address to the Nairobi County Assembly, Nairobi City County Governor Johnson Sakaja defended the proposal by the county to change zoning regulations to give way to high-rise of apartments in the various parts of the city that include Parklands and Westlands. The change in zoning implies that the infrastructure in previously sparsely populated estates are coming under pressure as the numbers of residents rise.

Governor Sakaja said the population of the city is increasingly growing and the planning needs to change in tandem with the population numbers. According to Sakaja the 696 square kilometres area of Nairobi cannot be expanded further, hence the need for vertical growth of the city.

“By 2050, Nairobi will have a population of 10.5 million inhabitants hence to avoid sprawl and negative effects, we must rethink and redesign our neighbourhoods.” He says.

The governor says the US government has committed over $60 million (Ksh8 billion) to re-planning mobility sectors, expected to be factored into the revised city plan.

Residents, a majority of them businessmen, senior government official, company executives and diplomats, have raised concerns with their county government, which they describe as indifferent and incapable of quality services. For two years, the residents have endured the consequences of poor road maintenance with potholes and inadequate drainage disrupting daily life.

It is particularly a nightmare for students as they cannot report to school on time and safely, while other commuters face delays and frustrations. Despite the repair works undertaken in February, conditions quickly deteriorated again, highlighting the ineffectiveness of local authorities.

Pleas to Governor Sakaja have gone unheeded and the national government and the legislature are equally accused of failing to hold the regional government to account.

The deteriorating road condition not only threatens property values but also impacts the physical and mental well-being of the community. Urgent action is needed to restore this vital transport artery before further damage ensues, affecting both residents and local businesses.

Despite Sakaja’s assurances, the county authorities face criticism for lethargic response to residents’ concerns about the poor conditions on General Mathenge Drive, which in turn affect security. The road has in the recent months experienced in armed robberies as a result of sluggish traffic that exposes road users to crime.

While residents have reported issues through various channels, including apps designed for direct communication with local governments, the lack of timely action has left many feeling unheard and frustrated.

Authorities are tasked with assessing community needs and prioritising safety, yet they often struggle to implement effective solutions. This disconnect can lead to increased accidents and property damage, prompting calls for more proactive measures and accountability from local officials to address infrastructure issues.

For two years, the residents have endured the consequences of poor road maintenance, with potholes and inadequate drainage disrupting daily life. Now the residents have appealed to the county government to address their grievances saying it is immoral for the government not to respond to their pleas.

• A Tell report / By Patrick Mayoyo