Ombudsman Demands Answers From KURA on Deteriorating Roads in Nairobi

0
33

The Commission on Administrative Justice (Ombudsman) has raised alarms over the worsening condition of roads in Nairobi.

CEO Mercy Wambua is seeking a response from the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director General regarding the issue.

The Ombudsman highlighted the daily struggles faced by Nairobi residents due to poorly maintained roads, with many taking to social media to share images of potholes and other road hazards.

“The Commission is deeply concerned that the current state of the roads is a significant contributor to increased road accidents, fatalities, injuries, property damage, and severe traffic congestion,” Wambua said in a statement.

“These issues have far-reaching implications on the country’s GDP and the overall welfare of Kenyan society.”

The Ombudsman has issued a directive to KURA’s Director General, demanding a response within seven days to address public concerns about the deteriorating road conditions in Nairobi.

In addition to the road issues, the Commission also noted widespread flooding in the city, attributed to blocked, poorly maintained, or insufficient drainage systems.

The Ombudsman has called for a detailed report from KURA on the current state of roads, including the extent of potholes, surface damage, drainage system conditions, and road markings.

The report should also outline a timeline for planned repairs and maintenance.

The Commission is urging KURA to take immediate action to address the risks posed by the current road conditions, including temporary repairs, management strategies, and long-term solutions for improving road safety and infrastructure durability.

Ombudsman CEO Mercy Wambua.

“While we urge KURA to prioritize the safety and well-being of road users, we expect the Director General to consider the concerns raised and provide a response within the specified timeline,” Wambua added.

Under Section 10(2)(a) of the Kenya Roads Act, KURA is responsible for the construction, upgrading, rehabilitation, and maintenance of public roads in cities and municipalities across Kenya, excluding national roads.

Additionally, Section 16 of the Nairobi City County Transport Act No. 3 of 2020 assigns the maintenance of county roads to the Nairobi County Government.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.