Residents in Kilimani have voiced their concerns over the significant damage to roads caused by the rapid construction of high-rise apartments in the area. Specifically, those living along the Kindaruma Road stretch have complained about the extensive potholes that have formed, which they describe as both unsightly and hazardous.
Many residents are experiencing superficial traffic congestion as vehicles navigate around the damaged sections, fearing that their cars may be harmed. Tracy Wandera, a resident of one of the apartments on Kindaruma Road, expressed her frustrations, stating,
“This place is an eyesore. With all the apartments and mini shopping malls springing up everywhere, it’s becoming a mess. I have to take a longer route to avoid Kindaruma Road because of the huge potholes created by construction trucks making their rounds several times a day.” She added, “Not only do you have to deal with the noise pollution, but you also have to budget for washing your vehicle more often than you’d like because the deep potholes retain water after it rains, leading to dirty water splashing from oncoming traffic.”
Wandera noted that pedestrians face even greater challenges, as they must remain alert to avoid being splashed by water or hit by cars. She pointed out that some drivers, preoccupied with avoiding the deep potholes, often neglect to watch for those on foot.
In addition to the road issues, residents are also expressing dissatisfaction with the size of their living spaces. Stanley Warui, another resident, lamented the size of his apartment, stating, “I bought this house when it was still under construction, and many promises were made about the amenities and prestige of the units. Now, I regret my decision because the bedrooms are so small and dark. There’s no proper lighting, and we’ve had to convert one room into a study because it’s too small to be considered a bedroom.”
Kilimani, which was once known for its standalone homes, has seen a shift as developers continue to build towers of 20 floors or more, dramatically changing the neighborhood’s landscape.
