Construction begins on 18th Street, Eastleigh’s last untarmacked road, easing access to Kiambiu
Residents and business owners voiced optimism about the road’s improvement, having long endured daily hardships due to its poor condition.
Construction has officially begun on Eighteenth Street, the last untarmacked road in Eastleigh South Ward, bringing relief to residents and traders who have long endured its poor condition. The project is expected to be completed within two months.
The road, which connects to the Kiambiu slums, has been in disrepair for years, creating major challenges for motorists, pedestrians, and businesses, particularly during the rainy season.
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It serves as a vital access route for numerous people travelling to and from the Kiambiu slums, playing a crucial role in daily movement within the area.
Eighteenth Street hosts several small businesses, including vegetable stalls, clinics, and a school, and is also home to a football field frequently used by residents.
The road has become a vital part of daily life in the area, and its rehabilitation is viewed as a key step toward enhancing mobility and boosting local commerce.
Ward manager Benard Musilu told The Eastleigh Voice that the road’s construction comes as a major relief for residents, noting it had been in poor condition for years and had long posed serious challenges to those trying to use it.
“For a long time, this road has been almost impossible to use, especially during the rains. Now that construction has started, people will be able to move without problems,” he said.
Project surveyor Vincent Tiatie said the road stretches 420 meters and will be tarmacked with a 60-millimetre thickness to ensure durability and long-term use.
Improved access
He explained that the project has already improved access and that once it is completed, movement around the area will become easier.
“We started working on the road, and it is now partially passable. Within the next two months, the construction will be complete and everyone will be able to use it with ease,” Tiatie said.
Residents and business owners voiced optimism about the road’s improvement, having long endured daily hardships due to its poor condition.
They believe the project will change their lives and improve the area’s general appearance.
The Eighteenth Street in Eastleigh South Ward leads to the Kiambiu slums. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)
Grace Mumo, a vegetable vendor along the road, said customers struggled to reach her stall during the rains, while in the dry season, dust often covered her produce.
“I am really happy seeing this construction. My business will now improve because there will be no mud or dust anymore,” she said.
Taxi drivers operating in the area have also welcomed the construction.
Michael Wamalwa, a driver who has worked in the area for several years, said that Eighteenth Street has always been a challenge for them.
“This was the only untarmacked road around here. We taxi drivers used to avoid it because it was either too rough or muddy. That is ending now,” he said.
The road’s completion is expected to bring a cleaner and safer environment for both residents and businesspeople.
It will also ease movement between Eastleigh South Ward and Kiambiu slums, providing a reliable connection that has long been missing.
The Kenya Rural Roads Authority is funding the road's construction.
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