Tenth and Eleventh streets in Eastleigh deteriorate despite recent tarmacking
A major contributor to this deterioration is the activity of borehole drilling companies operating in the area. These companies frequently dispose of drilling sludge directly onto the roads, weakening the tarmac.
Roads in Eastleigh that were newly tarmacked less than two years ago are now deteriorating, reverting to their previous poor condition. What often begins as small potholes quickly renders some areas nearly impassable.
During the rainy season, these roads become muddy and slippery. In dry weather, the surface is rough and uncomfortable for both motorists and pedestrians.
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A major contributor to this deterioration is the activity of borehole drilling companies operating in the area. These companies frequently dispose of drilling sludge directly onto the roads, weakening the tarmac.
Ongoing construction projects across Eastleigh have also exacerbated the issue. Builders routinely mix concrete on the roads and leave behind residues, which further contribute to the formation of potholes.
Residents report a lack of accountability. According to locals, those responsible for damaging the roads often bribe their way out of punishment. This lack of enforcement encourages continued negligence, while roads are left to deteriorate without repair or intervention.
One of the most affected areas is Tenth Street, tarmacked by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) during the 2022–2023 financial year. Less than a month after completion, the road began showing signs of damage.
In May 2023, Eastleigh's Tenth Street was repaired and tarmacked by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority. (Abdirahman Khalif)
Construction activities from nearby buildings, where workers used part of the road to mix concrete, were a major factor in the early deterioration. The situation worsened when the drainage system became clogged with rubbish dumped by residents and local businesses.
Over time, potholes developed and spread. Today, Tenth Street has largely returned to its original, degraded state, particularly where it connects with Yusuf Haji Avenue.
“Who would believe this road was tarmacked just a few years ago? It’s muddy and in terrible condition because there has been no maintenance,” said Ibrahim Hussein, a resident.
Tenth Street is a busy hub in Eastleigh, home to numerous small restaurants and popular miraa shops. Thousands of people frequent the area daily to socialise and chew miraa. However, these eateries often pour dishwater onto the street, while miraa remnants are carelessly discarded, compounding the mess.
The problem is worsened by buses that operate from Tenth Street. Many of these serve the Nairobi–Marsabit route and use the area as a booking and parking bay. Competition among operators has led to chaotic parking, frequently obstructing traffic and exacerbating congestion, especially in the evenings.
Eleventh Street presents an even worse picture. The road has deteriorated to such a degree that it is now impassable, even to pedestrians. During the rainy season, it becomes completely flooded with thick, black mud.
The road was tarmacked three years ago but was severely damaged by a borehole drilling company working on a nearby building. The company, which has been linked to the destruction of multiple roads in Eastleigh, left large quantities of drilling sludge on the road, significantly contributing to its degradation.
A local Member of the County Assembly, who spoke to the Eastleigh Voice on condition of anonymity, claimed the company’s owners avoid accountability due to their political or social connections.
“They rely on their clan. They’re untouchable. But destroying public roads is punishable by law,” the MCA said.
In November last year, the same company was briefly detained by the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) after the Eastleigh Voice reported on its activities along Major Muriithi Street.
The state of Eastleigh’s eleventh street few years after it was tarmacked
The firm had discharged muddy water onto the road, causing significant damage. However, company officials were quickly released, and operations resumed with no lasting consequences.
Residents are now calling on the government to urgently intervene and repair the worsening road conditions.
Mama Samuel, a vegetable vendor on Eleventh Street, said the poor state of the roads is affecting businesses and mobility.
“We are calling on the government to come and repair this road. It’s in a terrible state,” she said.
Once freshly tarmacked, Eleventh Street is now overwhelmed by thick black mud. The road is impassable to both motorists and pedestrians, cutting off a vital connection between Yusuf Haji Avenue and Second Avenue.
“If nothing is done, Eastleigh will never have proper roads. Every tarmacked street will be destroyed by these people,” warned Mahad Abdullahi, a taxi driver on Second Avenue.
Frustration among residents continues to mount as they watch the area’s infrastructure crumble despite recent government investments. Without stronger enforcement of construction and environmental regulations, the cycle of neglect and decay appears set to continue.
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