‘No high heels’ as pesky potholes, trenches take over Nairobi walkways

Uneven walkways riddled with mounds of soil, potholes and mud are making walking quite difficult for residents of Nairobi and its surrounding areas.

About five in every 10 (46 per cent) of Nairobi’s residents walk to work – according to a past research. Most of these people have to daily dodge potholes, mud pools, mounds of soil, garbage and straying vehicles to get to work and back.

Jennifer Wambui who spoke to Wananchi Reporting said she often has to carry an extra pair of flat shoes whenever she comes to town.

Wambui who resides in Embakasi, said she was forced to abandon high heels after she nearly broke her leg along Ronald Ngala street back in 2023.

“I injured my right ankle after stepping into a small pothole while walking. I went to work limping that morning,” says Wambui – who had to leave work early to go to hospital.

Adding that: “The walkways resemble farmlands.”

A number of people have reportedly sprained their legs while walking in the capital – small accidents that are caused by the uneven terrain. Many are often forced to hobble to work and back home – silently.

To avoid the uneven terrain, some pedestrians have resorted to walking on the roads – where they compete for space with overzealous motorists and riders. This is quite dangerous, and can lead to accidents.

“The soil always finds its way onto the road – making the foot paths and roads muddy and slippery – especially during the rains,” says Jarred Ogwano – an environmentalist in Nairobi.

Residents say that whether you are riding a bike or just enjoying a sidewalk stroll, potholes are annoying, even dangerous.

Residents are blaming unscrupulous motorists who often drive on walkways or footpaths next to the roads.

Some motorist drive on the ca-bro – which cannot sustain the weight of the vehicles. This destroys the roads and footpaths, creating uneven surface.

Residents are asking the county government to among other things consider introducing stringent fines on motor vehicles and boda-boda riders who stray onto pavements and walkways.

The county government is currently re-carpeting choice walkways and road islands in certain areas of the Central Business District (CBD).

One such works is ongoing at the intersection of Ronald Ngala and Tom Mboya street – which residents have applauded.

Although many agree that a lot has been done to improve walkways in Nairobi town and its surrounding estates – a lot more still need to be done especially with regards to legislation.

Residents who spoke to Wananchi Reporting identified areas along Moi Avenue, a walkway along Waiyaki Way – just between University of Nairobi and the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC) offices, and areas around Wetlands.

Many countries are adopting smart roads powered by artificial intelligence that helps predict and detect cracks well before they can be detected at the surface, making repairs cheaper, easier, quicker and more effective.