Several roads in Nairobi, including Jogoo Road and Kipande Road, have been temporarily closed to allow for repairs and upgrades targeting drainage issues and extensive pothole damage.
The Nairobi City County government, under Governor Johnson Sakaja, announced the closures as part of a citywide initiative to improve road infrastructure and address persistent flooding and road degradation.
“Kipande Road has been temporarily closed to facilitate a drainage upgrade aimed at addressing the persistent flooding at the Ojijo Road roundabout,” Governor Sakaja explained.
He noted that the existing drainage system, which uses a 1,200mm pipe that narrows to a 600mm pipe at Ojijo, causes backflow and severe flooding. To resolve this, the county has intensified roadworks in collaboration with the national government.
Other roads undergoing repairs and upgrades include several estate roads. Completed projects include Kisauni Road in Nairobi West Ward, Kawangware Market Road, Pam-Baraka Road Mung’etho in Mowlem Ward, and Nyayo Highrise Roads.
Additionally, access roads to Ruthimitu Girls High School in Uthiru/Ruthimitu Ward, as well as roads in Ziwa and Kahawa Wards, have been rehabilitated.
On 2nd Parklands Avenue, a new stormwater drainage system is under construction near the Red Ginger area to address waterlogging. This development is expected to mitigate the effects of heavy rains and prevent flooding in the vicinity.
Collaboration with the National Government
Governor Sakaja highlighted the importance of partnership between county and national governments in tackling Nairobi’s road challenges.
“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,” he stated.
Nairobi has long struggled with deteriorating road conditions, characterised by potholes and inadequate drainage systems.
In November, President William Ruto visited Soweto, where residents expressed concerns about poor road conditions.
This led to a high-level meeting between Governor Sakaja, Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua, and Kenya Highways Authority Director-General Kung’u Ndungu. The discussions culminated in a comprehensive plan to improve roads across the city.
The ongoing repair works involve roads under both national and county jurisdictions, with all relevant agencies actively participating in the rehabilitation efforts.
Residents are urged to remain patient as the upgrades continue, with authorities assuring the public of significant improvements to Nairobi’s road network in the coming months.
