Eastleigh's Waudo Street descent into disrepair less than two years after tarmacking

Less than two years after being tarmacked by Nairobi City County, Waudo Street in Eastleigh is already in poor condition.

The road, which was constructed under Governor Johnson Sakaja, now has multiple potholes and becomes excessively muddy after rains. Residents and road users are questioning the quality of work done during its tarmacking.

Waudo Street connects Muinami Road to Yusuf Haji Avenue. It was one of the key roads improved under Governor Sakaja's leadership. The road was completed in late 2023 and officially launched in March 2024.

Many residents and business owners welcomed the project, having long waited for a proper road to boost business and attract investors. However, the road's current state has raised concerns that it may return to its previously poor condition.

Deterioration

Large potholes can be seen along the entire stretch of Waudo Street. One of the biggest potholes is located near Sahaba Mosque at the beginning of the street on Yusuf Haji Avenue. Several others are in the middle, where the road connects with Keroe Street, and more are visible toward Muinami Road.

 

Taxi drivers, business owners, and residents have raised concerns about the road's durability. Some believe that the contractors who built the road may not have followed the right procedures.

"Maybe the ones who were working on it are to blame. A road of this kind should not be developing potholes this soon," said Joshua Wairimu, a 43-year-old taxi driver.

Others believe that heavy trucks involved in construction projects around the area have contributed to the damage. Many new buildings are under construction around this street, and the movement of large lorries may be affecting its conditions.

"Lorries taking part in the construction of some of these new buildings have contributed to these potholes, but it's the work of Nairobi County to regulate them," said Ahmed Sirat, a resident of one of the nearby apartments.

Impact of rain

When it rains, Waudo Street floods. Water collects in the potholes, making the road difficult to use. Once the water dries up, it leaves mud, which makes walking and driving challenging.

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Faiza Mahad, who owns a restaurant at one of the container shops on this street, believes corruption played a role in the road's current state.

"In a few years, this road will be gone. It will be dusty and rocky, all because of corruption within the county officials," she said.

The situation worsened shortly after the road was launched. A borehole drilling company contracted by one of the buildings along the street released sludge onto the street, making it unusable for several days. When the sludge dried, it left behind debris that further damaged the road.

Some residents and road users attempted to stop the company from dumping the sludge, but they were reportedly intimidated by individuals linked to county officials.

The area where the sludge was dumped now has one of the largest potholes on the street, filled with mud and dirty water whenever it rains.

Impact of Keroe Street

The poor condition of Keroe Street, which intersects Waudo Street, has also contributed to its deterioration. Keroe Street is already in a poor state, and vehicles using it carry mud and debris onto Waudo Street. Over time, this has worsened the road's conditions, making it difficult for pedestrians and motorists.

Efforts to get a response from California Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Hashim Kamau were unsuccessful. 1 contacted him for a comment, but he did not respond.

Residents and business owners are calling on Nairobi City County to repair the road before it worsens. Many believe that if no action is taken, Waudo Street will soon return to its previous state.