The Kasarani-Mwiki road is arguably one of the busiest roads in Nairobi county.
Stretching from Roysambu roundabout on Thika Road to Njiru area, the road serves thousands of residents who live in the surrounding estates.
The estates include Kasarani, Hunters, Sunton, Mwiki, Njiru among others.
For a long time, the Kasarani-Mwiki road has been neglected, leaving residents struggling to move from one place to another. The road has poor drainage, it’s narrow and full of potholes.
But recent works on the stretch between the Roysambu roundabout and St. Francis Hospital gave residents slim hope of a better road going forward.
However, there have been concerns especially after it emerged the ongoing works are part of the Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) Infrastructure project, seeking to construct a footpath and cycle track.
According to Kasarani Member of Parliament Ronald Karauri, the works are part of the Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) Infrastructure Project covering designated corridors across the five counties of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
“A footpath and cycle track is being developed running from Thika Road to St. Francis. This is especially welcome news for the thousands of students and residents who walk this road daily; they will now have a safe, dedicated path off the carriageway,” Karauri said.
According to the MP, the project will have a 1.5m dedicated cabro-paved cycle track, a 2m cabro-paved footpath for pedestrians, traffic bollards to keep motorised vehicles off the NMT corridor, street lighting for safety, canopies, shelters and benches at key points along the route, and information signage to guide users along the corridor.
While the latest developments are welcome, most residents are questioning why the road has not been expanded and well carpeted for smoothing movement.
One of the biggest challenges on the Kasarani-Mwiki road is poor drainage, narrow lanes and potholes. Yet, these seem to be ignored for the non-motorised transport.
For instance, around the Maternity area, drainage is either blocked or completely non-existent. Furniture traders have taken over and constructed structures on the drainage, with sewage water stagnated beneath.
Many opine that proper road works should have been done on the road even as footpaths and cycle tracks come up.
For many residents, much more needs to be done on the Kasarani-Mwiki road if it is going to serve the residents and road users well.
Karauri promises that will happen.
“KURA will also be commencing repair works on the Kasarani – Mwiki Road carriageway, meaning residents can expect a much improved road experience on all fronts,” he said.
They hope this will not be another empty promise as such remarks have been made before.
