Structures earmarked for demolition to pave way for access roads at Mukuru-Kayaba slum, South B, Nairobi County. Photo/Sammy Kimatu.
By SAMMY KIMATU
A Mukuru administrator is nursing injuries after he was allegedly hit by a stone on Friday, September 18, during protests by youth opposed to the marking of structures earmarked for demolition to pave way for access roads in Mukuru-Kayaba slum, Nairobi.
Mukuru-Kayaba area chief Edwin Murunga was allegedly pelted with stones by a group of irate youths who resisted the exercise, forcing the administrator and members of the Nyumba Kumi team to flee.
Speaking to journalists, Mr Murunga said the situation became tense after two youths allegedly forced their way into a butchery, where they picked a panga and chopping knives.
“The goons were wielding a panga and sharp knives, baying for my blood. They also pelted stones at us,” Mr Murunga said.
The administrator said the exercise was aimed at identifying structures built on roads designated as access routes in the densely populated informal settlement.
Emergency access
Residents who spoke to journalists said the chief and members of the Nyumba Kumi community security team were marking structures standing on what they described as former access roads.
They said some of the roads had been mapped out by previous administrators in Makadara before Mukuru-Kayaba became part of Starehe Sub-County.
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The residents said reopening the access routes would improve emergency response and make it easier for ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles to reach different parts of the settlement.
“We need at least access roads of seven feet where ambulances, fire engines and police cars can use during emergencies,” Mr Murunga said.
The push to create access routes has also been linked to concerns over emergency response in the densely populated informal settlement, where narrow pathways can make it difficult for emergency vehicles to reach affected residents.
Access roads essential
Starehe Deputy County Commissioner John Kisang said access roads were essential and should not be compromised in informal settlements.
“Access roads are not negotiable, and all slums must have access roads to be used during emergencies,” Mr Kisang told journalists.
He cited a recent fire incident in Dallas, Kambi Moto area of Mukuru-Kayaba, where a 23-year-old man reportedly died despite the timely arrival of a fire engine.
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“Last month, we lost a 23-year-old man during an inferno at Dallas in Kambi Moto Area located at Mukuru-Kayaba slum. Although a fire engine responded in time, the victim succumbed due to lack of access to the scene,” Mr Kisang remarked.
Authorities have continued to urge residents to cooperate with efforts to create and maintain emergency access routes while ensuring that disputes arising from the exercise are handled peacefully.
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