Residents of Kibra, Nairobi’s largest informal settlement, are voicing growing concerns over the deteriorating state of roads, which are increasingly becoming a safety issue. Potholes, muddy surfaces, and uneven terrain have made navigating the neighborhood unsafe, posing risks to both residents and emergency responders.
“When there’s a fire or someone falls ill, every minute counts. However, ambulances and fire trucks struggle to reach us due to the impassable roads,” said Leonard Ngugi, a resident of Kibra.
His sentiments are echoed by local driver Peter Mutisya, who highlighted the impact the poor road have on his only means of livelihood.
“Potholes damage my vehicle regularly, and avoiding them means taking longer routes, which costs me time and money,” said the driver.
Kibera’s poor road conditions worsen during the rainy season, further isolating communities from essential services. The lack of proper infrastructure not only hinders daily commutes but also jeopardizes public health and safety. Residents have mobilized campaigns to raise awareness and pressure authorities to prioritize road improvements in Kibera. The community remains hopeful that their voices will spur meaningful change and pave the way for improved infrastructure that meets the needs of this densely populated neighborhood.
