Perils of sub-standard rubble strips along Eastleigh's First Avenue

In the heart of Nairobi's Eastleigh neighborhood, the otherwise vibrant and energetic atmosphere is marred by a persistent and aggravating issue – the sub-standard rubble strips along Yusuf Haji Road, commonly known as First Avenue. Situated just past the Eastleigh Air Base, these seemingly innocent installations have become the bane of commuters, causing unnecessary traffic jams, particularly for those accessing Eastleigh from Jogoo Road. The traffic snarl-up is most pronounced during the evening rush hour and around midday, turning the daily commute into a frustrating ordeal.

The genesis of this traffic menace lies in the decision to erect rubble strips without adhering to standard measurements. The contractor responsible for the project seemingly overlooked the impact on traffic flow and, more significantly, the toll on vehicles' suspensions. The result: a daily struggle for motorists navigating the poorly designed obstacle course.

The traffic snarl-up along First Avenue. (Photo: Amin Abdulahi)

One matatu driver Paul Wambua, who battles the chaos daily, expressed his frustration, "It's a nightmare for us. The rubble strips slow us down, and the constant jolts are ruining our vehicles. Passengers are fed up, and we're losing precious time and money."

A truck driver, equally exasperated, shared his woes, "These rubble strips are a disaster. I have to navigate carefully to avoid damaging my truck's suspension, and it's affecting deliveries. It's a lose-lose situation for us."

Even the boda boda riders, known for their agility in maneuvering through traffic, find the rubble strips to be a formidable adversary. A rider John Ochieng lamented, "It's not safe for us or our passengers. The strips are unpredictable, and we've had near-misses. They need to fix this mess."

Heavy traffic along Eastleigh's first avenue. (Photo: Amin Abdulahi)

As a pedestrian, the sentiment is no less severe. "I used to appreciate the concern for our children's safety, but these rubble strips are a hazard themselves. They're uneven, poorly spaced, and it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt," remarked Fatuma Ali a concerned local resident.

Ironically, the rubble strips were erected in response to residents' complaints about the safety of their children. However, the good intentions were overshadowed by a lack of professionalism in execution, leading to a situation where the cure is almost as problematic as the ailment.

As the frustrated voices of the community rise, it is clear that urgent intervention is needed. The residents demand a resolution that ensures safety without compromising the smooth flow of traffic. The sub-standard rubble strips have become a symbol of good intentions gone awry, transforming a routine commute into a daily test of patience and vehicle endurance along Eastleigh's Yusuf Haji Road.