Tarmacking of Eastleigh's Eighth Street a welcome boost for businesses

Eighth Street in Eastleigh, Nairobi, once one of the worst roads in the area, has been tarmacked—a welcome transformation for the many residents, shoppers and business people in the retail business hub.

The road between Second and Third Avenues had long been in a state of disrepair, a common sight being pools of dirty water that made navigation tough for pedestrians, boda boda riders, and motorists. Residents had repeatedly raised fears of waterborne diseases and other dangers, as well as the negative impact on their businesses.

Being a county government road, past governors promised to repair it but the projects were never initiated, leading to accusations of neglect. The street was officially opened to the public on June 1 by Governor Johnson Sakaja, who reiterated Eastleigh's importance to Nairobi's economy.

The repairs have improved the face of the area, making it a magnet for both small and large business owners and leading to a noticeable increase in economic activity, with more customers for restaurants, retail stores, clinics and other operations.

Mama Brandon, a shopkeeper who has operated from that street for the past 10 years, told The Eastleigh Voice that she has witnessed the positive impact of the road work.

"I have opened a stall since there is more space. Previously, this place was full of garbage and there was no space," she said, adding that in addition to the goods in her shop, she now sells fruits and vegetables.

Mama Brandon added that more people were moving into the tall apartment buildings in the area, which translates to more clients for her and other business people.

Peter Kwanza, who has been in the clothing business for seven years, also reported an increase in the number of customers.

"Look at my shop now. The business is improving as I have more customers. Things will get better," the 40-year-old said.

Kwanza further expressed relief that the road would no longer flood during the rainy season.

"The floodwaters used to affect my shop. When it rained heavily, this whole place would be full of water. No more of that now," he said.

"Eastleigh is the economic hub of the city so it needs the infrastructure that supports it," he said during the event.

Abdiaziz Shale, a taxi driver, noted that with the repairs, he and his colleagues have an additional route to access Third Avenue from Second Avenue and vice versa.

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"The tarmacking has given motorists more options to access both Second and Third Avenues. It's good for us," Abdiaziz said, adding that congestion had eased.