Locals fear resurgence of crime as streetlights fail on Eastleigh’s Waudo Street
Waudo Street is a crucial route in California Ward, serving as an alternative for motorists avoiding traffic congestion on Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue.
Residents and business owners along Waudo Street in California Ward, Eastleigh, have raised concerns over failing infrastructure as newly installed antique streetlights stopped working and the recently tarmacked road is already in poor condition.
The streetlights, installed in July last year as part of a security enhancement project, have gone dark, leaving users of the busy road vulnerable to criminals.
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The failure has forced traders, motorists, and pedestrians to navigate the area in darkness, sparking fears of a return to the insecurity that plagued the street before the lights were installed.
Many residents recall that before the streetlights were installed, incidents of phone snatching were rampant. The darkness provided cover for criminals who targeted unsuspecting pedestrians and business owners operating in the evening.
Now, with the streetlights no longer functional, locals worry that the situation will return to what it was before.
Ibrahim Abdi, a fruit vendor in the area, expressed concern about the situation but remained hopeful that the Nairobi County government would address the issue soon.
"Working in the dark is not safe, but I believe the county officials will come and fix these lights before it gets worse," said Ibrahim.
Small-scale traders
The problem is particularly affecting small-scale traders, especially those running food stalls and eateries along the street.
Many of these businesses depend on outdoor cooking and well-lit spaces to attract customers. With the lights out, visibility is low, and sales are dwindling.
Johnson Ariaka, who sells mangoes near the mosque along Waudo Street, said that his business has been affected because customers struggle to see his products.
"I mostly operate in the evening, but since the lights failed, my sales have dropped. Customers can't see what I'm selling from a distance like before," said Ariaka.
Efforts to contact California Ward MCA Hashim Kamau for a comment on the issue were unsuccessful. Hashim had spearheaded the installation of the streetlights, emphasising at the time that the poles were fabricated by Kamukunji jua kali artisans.
This approach, he had said, was aimed at boosting employment opportunities for young people in California Ward while utilising local resources.
Crucial route in California Ward
Waudo Street is a crucial route in California Ward, serving as an alternative for motorists avoiding traffic congestion on Mohamed Yusuf Haji Avenue. The street connects to General Wariungi Street, making it a vital link for both businesses and residents.
In the evenings, the street comes alive with business activities, attracting large numbers of people. Food vendors, taxi operators, and small businesses rely on the night economy, as many visitors stop by for dinner and drinks.
Street-side eateries serve affordable meals, and camel milk tea is a popular beverage among customers who gather around on the plastic chairs arranged on the sidewalks. The failure of the streetlights is now an issue of great concern to both residents and business owners.
The road, which was tarmacked less than two years ago by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's administration, is already in poor condition. Large potholes have emerged along the stretch, making it difficult for vehicles to navigate.
During the rainy season, Waudo Street becomes excessively muddy, raising questions about the quality of the work.
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