Eastleigh's Waudo Street: A Bodaboda hazard prompting urgent road safety sensitization

A once serene route in Eastleigh’s California area has transformed into a perilous zone, marred by the presence of fast-moving bodabodas (motorcycle taxis) and public vehicles, posing a significant threat to school children. Waudo Street, recently tarmacked just over a month ago, has evolved into a busy area, attracting numerous businesses and vendors who have set up shops along its lanes.

Public vehicles, seeking an alternative to the congested First Avenue, now use Waudo Street as a route to access General Wariungi Street. However, this increased vehicular activity has resulted in a concerning rise in accidents involving pedestrians, particularly school-going children.

The junction between Waudo Street and Yusuf Haji street (First Avenue)

Residents are expressing their discontent with the transportation models, mainly blaming bodabodas for these incidents. The problem extends beyond irresponsible motorists and riders; Eastleigh roads are witnessing widespread chaos with pedestrians walking along the sides and in the middle, displaying a complete disregard for basic road rules, calling for an urgent need for sensitization on traffic rules. The Nairobi County government should put that into consideration.

Riyaqa Abdi, a distressed mother, shared the harrowing experience of her 7-year-old son being struck by a bodaboda on his way to Madrasa on Tuesday. "Imagine your kid returning home with bruises; this road is treacherous," she exclaimed, reflecting the anguish felt by numerous families in the area.

Echoing these sentiments, business owners operating along Waudo Street highlighted the alarming frequency of accidents. They claimed that, on average, two to three individuals fall victim to bodaboda collisions each day, painting a concerning picture of the road's safety.