Muinami Street upgrade brings hope to Pumwani and California residents and traders

Residents of Pumwani and California wards in Nairobi have welcomed the ongoing construction of Muinami Street — a key road linking the two areas and providing motorists with an alternative route to ease congestion along Jogoo Road.

Construction crews have already begun work, removing the upper layer of the road to level it before laying stones. Culverts are also being installed to enhance drainage and prevent flooding during the rainy season.

Residents, traders, and transport operators say the project is long overdue. For years, the road’s poor condition made it difficult for both vehicles and pedestrians to pass through.

Many expressed relief that the long-awaited construction has finally begun, saying it will ease movement and boost local businesses.

Speaking to The Eastleigh Voice, several residents said the state of Muinami Street had caused numerous problems, from dust during dry seasons to stagnant water when it rained.

Dust hurts business

Badi Mohamed, a Majengo resident who sells eggs along the road, said the dust had hurt his business for years. He explained that customers often avoided the area because of the poor road conditions.

“For a long time, we have struggled with dust that settles on our goods and drives customers away. When it rains, the road becomes impassable because of water and mud. I believe business will improve now that the road is being constructed. The water that used to collect here will also be gone,” said Badi.

Nancy Isaac, who sells vegetables along Muinami Street, also welcomed the development. She said she used to spend extra money buying water to clean her vegetables and keep them dust-free.

“I used to spend a lot of money buying water just to clean my vegetables because the dust was everywhere. When it rained, customers stopped coming because the road was full of potholes and water. I am hopeful that when the road is complete, I will get more customers since they will be able to pass here easily,” she said.

Potholes

Public transport operators have also praised the project. James Tito, a boda boda rider, said navigating through potholes had been difficult and costly.

“I am happy that the construction has started. It was hard riding through the huge potholes here, and I often had to fix my shocks and other parts of my bike. With this new road, those problems will reduce,” said James.

Taxi drivers using the route echoed similar sentiments, noting that the uneven surface had made it especially hard for vehicles with low ground clearance, particularly during rainy weather.

According to the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), the project is expected to be completed by May next year. However, officials say the work could finish ahead of schedule if the current pace continues.

Other Topics To Read

• City Affairs
• California
• Pumwani
• Mvuma Nyuki Road
• Eastleigh South Ward
• KUR
• Muinami Street
• Muinami Street upgrade brings hope to Pumwani and California residents and traders
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Kamukunji Constituency, which includes Pumwani and California wards, has seen a rise in road rehabilitation projects in recent months. Roads such as Ahero in Pumwani Ward, Keroe in California Ward, and the extension of 18th Street in Eastleigh South Ward have already been tarmacked. Construction is also ongoing on Seventh Street in Airbase Ward and Mvuma Nyuki Road in Eastleigh South Ward.

Residents hope the completion of Muinami Street will ease traffic, improve access between neighbourhoods, and stimulate business growth. Many believe that better roads will not only make transport smoother but also attract new investment to the area.