In a decisive move to end years of infrastructural neglect and frequent public protests, the Nairobi City County Government and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) have launched a joint operation to reclaim road reserves along the vital Kiguathi Road in Embakasi East.
The exercise, which commenced on Friday, February 13, involved the marking of illegal structures for demolition to clear the way for a comprehensive reconstruction of the link road.
The operation marks a turning point for Mihango Ward residents, who have long endured a dilapidated transport network that frequently became impassable during rainy seasons, frustrating motorists and local business owners alike.
County officials led by Chief Officer for Boroughs and Subcounty Administration Bernard Kiala emphasized that the removal of encroaching structures is a non-negotiable step toward achieving modern urban standards.
The planned rehabilitation is set to go far beyond simple pothole patching, with a scope of work that includes full tarmacking, the installation of high-capacity culverts, and the construction of dedicated pedestrian footpaths.
Kiala issued a stern warning to those occupying public land, stating that road reserves are essential for safety and drainage. He noted that the county would no longer tolerate encroachment that compromises the quality of public infrastructure, urging owners of the marked structures to remove them immediately at their own cost to avoid further delays.
Kiguathi Road serves as a critical artery linking Kayole and Chokaa to the Eastern Bypass, yet its deterioration had previously triggered several demonstrations where residents blocked sections of the road to demand action.
Mihango Ward MCA Paul Kados, who has been at the center of lobbying efforts with Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration, expressed relief that the project is finally moving into the execution phase.
Kados noted that the rehabilitation is the result of a hard-won consensus with KURA and the county, asserting that restoring accessibility is the first step toward restoring the dignity of the ward’s residents.
Technical teams on-site, including South Eastern Boroughs Manager John Saruni, pointed out that the road’s previous failures were largely due to the lack of proper drainage channels, which were often blocked or displaced by illegal constructions.
By reclaiming the full width of the road reserve, engineers will be able to build a durable base and side drains designed to withstand heavy runoff.
