Location: Mvuli Road, David Osieli Road, Prof. Saitoti Road, Church Road, Raphta Road, St. Michael’s Road, Sports Road, road parallel to the highway

Source: Google Maps 2015

Westlands is a growing hub for residential and business complexes including a number of schools such as Waridi Nursery, Montessori, Consolata and Saint Mary’s to mention a few. For children, residents, and workers, it is essential that the roads have crossing points, sidewalks, and good lighting for those walking at night. Most importantly, the children in the area need to grow up in a safe neighbourhood and to be able to get to and from school safely. They also need an area that provides recreational spaces such as parks.

I have noticed how dangerous our roads are - with a number of motorists speeding, lack of sidewalks, pedestrian crossing points, and poor lighting of the roads. The lack of healthy and safe neighbourhoods is unfortunate especially with many school children choosing to walk and ride their bikes to and from school. Therefore, on behalf of the residents of Westlands, I propose major upgrades of the neighbourhood for the safety of the residents and workers living and working within Westlands.

A number of studies have established a positive relationship that exists between safe and clean neighbourhoods and the happiness of residents. One study, carried out by Sheppard et al. (2012), found a positive correlation between good mental well-being and neighbourhoods that have good security, neighbour to neighbour interactions, pedestrian friendly roads, and less litter and traffic. A neighbourhood that provides good amenities such as streetlights, sidewalks, and bike paths is not only necessary for aesthetic appeal but also the mental well-being of all residents. I acknowledge and appreciate the upgrade of roads behind Consolata School, however, I believe that more can be done to improve the surrounding neighbourhood. I have grown up and have lived in Westlands for over 15 years and unfortunately have seen no major improvement of the roads in the location highlighted above. This proposal has been written in the hope that more will be done to improve the roads and security, converting the neighbourhood in the aforementioned location to a more conducive environment for children to grow up in and people to work. It is also my hope that Westlands can serve as an example for other neighbourhoods to take action in improving the surroundings for residents. To assist in the pinpointing of the areas that are in dire need of rehabilitation, I have prepared a list of the main problems. These include;

• THE INSTALLATION OF STREETLIGHTS

The neighbourhood especially along Mvuli Road, St. Michael’s Road, Sports Road, and the road parallel to the highway lacks streetlights thus imperiling the lives of pedestrians and drivers. Pedestrians walking in the dark face risks such as thugs or getting run over because they are unaware of their surroundings due to unreliable or no lighting. Because Waiyaki Way’s streetlights fail to work, the area is only lit by the cars’ headlights, which also deceive the eyes as to how far cars are. Besides the dangers of being attacked by others, the false distance has led to some pedestrians being knocked down while crossing the road. The lack of sidewalks also endangers pedestrians because we are forced to walk on the path between the tarmacked section of the road and the bushes, unprotected from cars that drive on the path to overtake or avoid the large holes in the middle of the roads. A couple of years back, a man got hit because of the driver’s poor/lack of judgment and the poor lighting and lack of sidewalks. Most of us would like to avoid walking during the night due to the decreasing security, but unfortunately many leave their jobs late and have to walk home in the dark. As for drivers, it is difficult to see when relying only on headlights that give false perception on how far pedestrians and objects are.

The installation of streetlights is not sufficient because some streets do have streetlights, however they are not always lit. The inconsistent working of lights also happens along Waiyaki Way. Most times the lights along Waiyaki Way are either never put on or do not work. Besides installing streetlights and ensuring they work, an alternative to generic streetlights is the installation of fluorescent lights and solar powered streetlights to ensure energy efficiency.

• SIDEWALKS

Occasionally, drivers speed down Mvuli and Raphta Road posing a danger to pedestrians due to the lack of sidewalks. Moreover, disrespectful drivers especially matatu drivers, tend to drive on the path pedestrians walk on in order to overtake. I have had matatus bully me off the path and into the bushes because they felt that they had the right to drive on the sidewalks. Sad incidences have occurred due to the lack of sidewalks. About two years ago, two ladies I know had a near death experience along Mvuli road when a drunk motorist driving over 100km/h down Mvuli Road, lost control and drove onto the path they were walking on eventually overturning his car. Fortunately, due to the pedestrians quick reflexes nobody was injured. Pedestrians deserve respect and protection. Therefore, I am strongly pushing for the placement of paved sidewalks, not only in my neighbourhood but also across Nairobi and the country at large.

Sidewalks are a necessary addition as they provide a safe place for pedestrians to walk, especially children. They also promote a healthy lifestyle as it encourages more social walking. The growing of trees between the sidewalks and the road or using bollards can act as good buffers to deter reckless drivers from endangering pedestrians. While paving sidewalks, it is important to note that everybody uses them including people with special physical needs such as people using the aid of wheelchairs. Therefore, the sidewalks should be constructed in a manner that meets universal needs and is accessible for persons of all ages and people with any disability. Side ramps and warning strips should therefore be added at the end of sidewalks for those on wheelchairs or using walking sticks.

• BETTER ROADS, BUMPS, BIKE PATHS, AND ZEBRA CROSSING

The roads are in very poor condition and are crowded with potholes. There are neither pedestrian crossing signs nor pedestrian crossing road marks considering the multitude of people and children who walk on these roads. Along schools including Waridi Nursery School located on Sports Road and Montessori situated on Mvuli Road, there are no traffic signs such as slow down children crossing neither are there any designated crossing points. With the reckless driving I have seen along the roads, I feel that children and adult pedestrians alike are in danger. I have noticed little attempt to rehabilitate the roads to make them smoother and safer. I am therefore requesting that the roads be relayed. However, I request that the rehabilitation of these roads do not fall in the hands of shoddy contractors. Roads in Nairobi are often “repaired” by simply cutting out squares of tarmac and placing new tarmac in those holes. Time and time again the so-called road contractors simply cut holes on the road (which pose danger to motorists as there are no indicators of road works being done). After pieces of the road have been cut out, tarmac is then placed and not enough time is given for the road to dry. Within two days or less, we are back to driving on potholed roads. It is disappointing to see taxpayers’ money go into horrible and poor work such as that done on Waiyaki Way. If proper work were done from the very beginning, there would be no need to constantly reinvest in the repair of roads. For example, Uhuru highway has sustained road users and required little maintenance over the years because of the decent job done.

Revamping of roads should also include bike paths for cyclists to safely get around. Some children around my neighbourhood cycle to school and it is my hope that they get to school safe every day. To ensure this, we need good roads with bike paths and bumps.

Bumps control over speeding and ensure drivers drive cautiously because there are constantly people walking ―to the kiosks, to school, to their neighbours, to church, and to work. To ensure their safety, pedestrian crossing and bumps would ensure that pedestrians are protected from crazy drivers. Some drivers drive recklessly and at dangerous speeds around the neighbourhood.

• RESTRICTION OF MATATUS

The use of the mentioned roads by matatus is becoming a growing problem. Their impatience has resulted in traffic jam along the road parallel to Waiyaki Way and have been a reason for the sudden traffic created on Mvuli Road. It is not only irritating but uneasy. They tend to drive on the paths used as “sidewalks” forcing pedestrians including myself to walk in the bushes because they want to overtake traffic but end up causing more traffic. There needs to be control on the use of residential roads by matatus. To get home, it once took me over 30 minutes yet I was 100m from the gate to my home. This waste of time was due to the traffic created and aggravated by matatus. Impatient matatu drivers use the side of the road of oncoming traffic, blocking cars on the right side from getting to their destination. They also create multiple lanes and block roads creating worse traffic. Some options to control this nuisance is the placing of neighbourhood blocks or traffic police to control misbehaving matatus.

The neighbourhood (especially on the road parallel to the highway) requires the placement of clear bus stations to determine where exactly matatus and buses are to stop. Nowadays, matatus stop wherever they feel necessary which is dangerous because they stop abruptly and at times park by the side of the road.

• NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK

There has been an increase in construction especially in Westlands. Unfortunately most apartments constructed today have no recreational areas set aside for children and some apartments have no space (besides for parking) for adults and children alike to keep fit. I believe that children and adults need to stay healthy and to do so, we require spaces where we can relax and release any stress from school or work. I appreciate the existence of Uhuru Park and the Jaffrey’s Sports Club, however, these places are quite far for people who live in Westlands. Many people including myself want to relax at a park or take their kids to play at the park but not have to drive two hours to get there. It would be great for children and adults alike to have a space walking distance in their neighbourhood where they can relax and work out. Parks with a track, playground, and exercise equipment for children and adults would be a great addition to the neighbourhood, a lacking feature in many neighbourhoods all around Nairobi. Not only would it help people relax and stay healthy but it would also encourage neighbours to interact and children who enjoy the outdoors to spend more time outside. It would also create employment if guards and a few maintenance personnel are hired by the government to care for the park.

The images below are examples of simple parks that could be set up in the neighbourhood within Raphta, Mvuli and East Church roads.

• CLEANER ENVIRONMENT AND PROTECTION OF TREES

Stricter laws should be put in place against littering especially next to kiosks and matatu stop points where most of the litter lies. Implementation of neighbourhood cleanup days would be great in getting the surrounding community involved in up-keeping a clean and neat environment. Street bins could also be placed along every street.

Regarding trees, unfortunately the increase in construction has been limited to many tall buildings which if not controlled could lead to the creation of a concrete jungle. Though many cities are well planned out compared to Nairobi, I have seen very few cities with the beauty and abundance of trees like Nairobi. Having the opportunity to travel to various cities, what has always amazed me about Nairobi is the greenery that surrounds us. It would be a pity to lose that and fall into the pattern of creating concrete jungles.

Trees play a very important role in the environment and provide tranquility for people. Because there is a surge in construction, many trees have been cut in the process, therefore, to ensure Westlands stays as beautiful and green as it has been in the past, I urge for stricter enforcement of rules on tree cutting to avoid the city looking bare and dusty. Trees are a great resource to us all and to ensure the effort of Wangari Maathai and other environmentalists, we need to protect our trees and in turn our environment.

• REVAMPING OF ELECTRICITY POLES

There are many electricity poles in the area dangerously titling. If they fall they can end up killing or seriously maiming pedestrians. There are also electrical wires hanging low which pose danger to drivers and pedestrians especially children.

It is my hope that you will read through this document and be inspired to take action to create a better Westlands and an epitome for other neighbourhoods across Nairobi. This will hopefully create a ripple effect whereby other neighbourhoods will aspire to create safe surroundings for their residents. With the implementation of the suggestions above, Nairobi and ultimately the whole of Kenya will surely grow and be on the front line for its considerate urban planning and promotion of public health.

It would be a great idea to employ the skills of our youth to design cool bus stops that also showcase aspects of our culture. The simple placement of box shaped bus stops is not sufficient. I would like this upgrade of our neighbourhood to include thoughts by the community and assistance from our talented youth. I have met students and professors in Nairobi with great plans on creating safe and clean urban spaces that also promote mental health, and it would be great to involve them in developing neater urban spaces. They will also gain experience and the country will grow from using the mental capabilities of its people. Often the president of Kenya, Honorable Uhuru Kenyatta has emphasized on empowering youth and encouraging investment. I therefore request that more investment go into our neighbourhoods and youth.

The following document found on http://guide.saferoutesinfo.org/engineering/sidewalks.cfm has been a helpful guide in important improvements to make a neighbourhood safe and conducive.

Sincerely,

Hiromi Hashimoto and Murugi Kahare