The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has demanded accountability from the Nairobi Expressway operators, asserting that the project has contributed to the devastating floods affecting the country’s capital.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 8, the MAK claimed that prior to the construction of the mega project along Mombasa Road and Uhuru Highway, these transport corridors did not experience recurrent flooding as they do now.
The association alleges that the expressway construction disrupted numerous drainage channels across the corridor, leading to significant traffic disruptions along the frequently busy route during the rainy season.
The MAK further pointed out that the road also collects substantial water volumes, which are then directed toward the blocked lower deck section, overwhelming the drainage systems.
“Before the expressway project, these highways did not experience the persistent flooding now witnessed whenever it rains. Today, even a few hours of rainfall creates disaster for motorists using the lower deck,” the statement read.
“Since the expressway operates as a private toll enterprise under a concession by the China Road and Bridge Corporation in partnership with the Government of Kenya, MAK demands that its operators take responsibility for impacts associated with the project,” the statement read.
Additionally, MAK has called for legal action against engineers and planners who approved infrastructure projects in the county that are contributing to drainage problems on key roads.
According to the association, engineers and planners have repeatedly authorized recarpeting works in the city that historically allowed rainwater to flow into underground channels.
Among the roads affected by this, according to MAK, are Tom Mboya Street, Moi Avenue, River Road, Kirinyaga Road, Sheikh Karume Road, Luthuli Avenue, Ronald Ngala Street, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kimathi Street, and Muindi Mbingu Street.
MAK has stated that the National Government, in collaboration with the county government, should ensure that all motorists whose vehicles were damaged during the recent downpour receive compensation.
“The Nairobi City County Government and the national government must immediately audit and reopen all blocked drainage systems across Nairobi’s road network. Engineers and planners who approved defective roadworks that sealed drainage vents must be held personally accountable,” MAK stated.
“Nairobi was once proudly known as the ‘City in the Sun.’ Today, it risks becoming a city overwhelmed by concrete, poor planning, and preventable flooding disasters. This must not continue,” it added.
Several parts of Kenya have experienced heavy rains, which have led to widespread property destruction and loss of life, particularly in Nairobi.
In a statement on Saturday, March 7, the National Police Service noted that the flooding has also resulted in displacement, road closures, and destruction of property.