Ombudsman gives KURA ultimatum to fix Nairobi roads amid residents’ complaints

Following mounting frustrations and complaints from Nairobi residents over the deplorable state of roads, the Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director-General Silas Kinoti to take immediate action.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Ombudsman revealed that complaints had been pouring in from Nairobians who are tired of navigating pothole-riddled streets and flooded highways.

Videos circulating on social media have further highlighted the issue, showcasing impassable roads in various parts of the city.

Some of the roads flagged include the route connecting Jogoo Road to Landhies Road near Muthurwa Market, the Soweto-Masimba Road, and streets in Kilimani and Upper Hill.

Widespread flooding

The commission also pointed out the widespread flooding caused by blocked or poorly maintained drainage systems, which has worsened traffic congestion and led to accidents, property damage, injuries, and fatalities.

"The current state of Nairobi roads has resulted in fatalities, injuries, and increased traffic jams," stated the commission.

It reminded KURA of its obligation under Section 10 (2) (a) of the Kenya Roads Act to build, upgrade, rehabilitate, and maintain public roads in cities and municipalities, excluding national roads.

The Ombudsman demanded that KURA submit a detailed assessment report on the state of Nairobi's roads within seven days.

"In light of these concerns, the Commission requests that the Director-General of the Kenya Urban Roads Authority provide a detailed response within seven days," the statement read further.

The report should include the severity of potholes, the condition of drainage systems, and road markings, along with a clear plan for temporary repairs and other immediate measures to address the risks.

This directive comes amid ongoing road maintenance projects in the city.

For instance, the construction of an underpass at the Haile Selassie roundabout along Uhuru Highway is currently underway.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) recently completed repairs on the Mombasa-Nairobi Highway at the Mukapa Bridge and Changamwe Interchange, with renovation work continuing on Waiyaki Way.

Frustrated residents

Despite these efforts, Nairobians remain deeply frustrated by the slow pace of improvement and the persistence of road problems across the city.

Following a story aired by Citizen TV on the dire state of roads in various parts of Nairobi, Governor Johnson Sakaja was on Friday put to task on the situation.

While appearing before the Senate's County Public Accounts and Investments Committee (CPAIC) last month, Sakaja was put to task over the dire state of roads in various parts of Nairobi.

The county boss confirmed that he held discussions with the national government that had led to a plan to jointly address the state of the roads.

He revealed that Sh4 billion has been earmarked for road repairs, with a focus on both county-managed and national roads across Nairobi.

"We have agreed to work in conjunction with the national government to address the condition of these roads. Some roads fall under the national government, while others are under the county's mandate. This coordination will bring change, and soon Nairobi residents will notice the difference," Sakaja said.

The governor assured that the county government, in collaboration with the Ministry of Transport, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and KeNHA will coordinate efforts to repair roads under their respective jurisdictions.