Traders, commuters voice concerns over raw sewage on Eastleigh's Athumani Kipanga Street
Taxi drivers, hawkers and other traders have raised complaints about the poor road conditions and the impact on their daily activities.
Athumani Kipanga Street in Eastleigh has experienced a significant transformation following the recent demolition of roadside structures by Nairobi City County officials last week. The once-busy street has seen a drastic reduction in foot traffic, with an estimated two-thirds of its population disappearing.
The clearing of structures has created a direct line of view from Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue to Muratina Street, which was previously obstructed.
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Despite the demolitions, a persistent issue remains unresolved. The sewer system, constructed by Nairobi City County in February, has failed to prevent the perennial overflow of raw sewage onto the road.
Business owners and road users continue to struggle with the foul-smelling waste that has plagued the area for years.
In addition to the sanitation issues, the aftermath of the demolition has left the road in a deteriorated state. The debris from the sewer construction, along with displaced cabros, has made the road impassable for vehicles. What was once a well-maintained road is now rough, further complicating movement for both pedestrians and motorists.
Sources have informed The Eastleigh Voice that Eastleigh North MCA Ahmedkadar Dabar is in discussions with Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to restore the demolished structures.
The once-busy Athumani Kipanga Street has seen a drastic reduction in pedestrian traffic after roadside business structures were demolished last week (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
The demolitions took place while Ahmedkadar was out of the country, and upon his return, he immediately approached the governor to advocate for their reinstatement.
Addressing allegations that he had personal interests in the demolished structures, Ahmedkadar denied any property ownership. He emphasised that some of the kiosks were built between 2019 and 2021, before he assumed office.
“Some kiosks were built in 2019, others in 2020 and 2021. I was not the MCA at that time. How can I own kiosks in front of buildings that I do not own?” he asked.
Business owners and road users have voiced their concerns about the state of Athumani Kipanga Street and have called for immediate intervention.
Taxi drivers, hawkers and other traders have raised complaints about the poor road conditions and the impact on their daily activities.
“They left the road in a bad state. It had cabros, and movement was okay, but now that is impossible. The MCA and his team need to look into this matter,” said Abdullahi Hussein, a taxi driver who operates in the area.
Hawkers who relied on the demolished structures for their businesses are also feeling the impact.
Kauthar Abdi, who sells women’s clothing in the evenings, expressed her frustration.
“Even mkokoteni (handcart) operators cannot access this road now. They have completely destroyed it and left,” she said.
Kauthar also raised concerns about the sewer issue, stating that the contractor responsible for the system had failed to address the problem. She and others continue to struggle with the unpleasant smell coming from the open sewage.
While the demolished structures provided business opportunities for hundreds of people, their reinstatement is likely to be met with resistance.
Mall owners along the street are opposed to the return of these structures, arguing that they disrupt business and create congestion.
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