At Kitengela, Kajiado County, the Old Namanga Road has been a nightmare. To drive on for the past three months.
Drivers and boda-boda riders frequently have to travel through dense dust clouds. They occasionally have to stop to wait for the dust to settle to avoid potential traffic accidents because of poor visibility.
It has been the situation ever since the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura), in response to a public outcry, imposed murram on the 10-kilometre stretch.
The alleviation was fleeting because thick daytime dust is a problem for nearby residents and people who use the busy route.
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The road's state is getting worse every day. Many potholes have developed.
Many incidents happen on the road, according to boda boda rider Mr Alex Odongo.
He said, "Many accidents happen on this route, and boda boda riders have to go to medical facilities with chest difficulties".
Most businesses along the route have closed, and the few still open only open at night when the air is less dusty.
"We have experienced a lot of sorrow. The road agencies put down murram whenever we voice our concerns. Our businesses have suffered as a result," a dealer claimed.
Motorists frequently complain about insecurity on the road and the expensive cost of fixing their automobiles.
Before they vanish into the dust, "thugs on motorcycles frequently attack drivers and pedestrians," according to Mr James Kiai.
A trader in Kitengela named George Munene leased two water bowsers to spray water on the dry road regularly and claims this is unsustainable.
Kura takes the blame for sleeping at work while the community suffers.
"I run a shop next to the highway. I have been paying at least Sh4,000 daily to water the dusty road to reduce the dust. The government should help residents in need", Mr Munene said on Saturday.
This road services many middle-class estates and opulent residences owned by well-known politicians. Also, it supplies some flower farms and five private educational institutes.
The road connects Kitengela and Ongata Rongai towns.
On November 23, 2018, Alex Kilowua, a member of the Kajiado Roads CEC, and Kura Director-General Silas Kinoti visited the road. The road would be improved to bitumen standards, according to Mr Kinoti.
