Kibera locals under the Change Mtaani Youth Initiative today took to the streets to oppose the plans by the government to construct a road intended to pass through the slum and connect Yaya Centre and Langata.
They marched from Kibera social grounds to Transport Ministry offices to submit a petition to the Transport CS, James Macharia, lamenting that many locals will be displaced in the process of constructing the road.
"We are not opposing the construction of the Yaya to Langata road, what we want addressed is what will happen to the residents who will be displaced in the process,’’ said Brian Emmanuel, the representative of Change Mtaani Youth Initiative.
"There are several schools which will be affected by the demolition. Where will these children study if their schools are brought down?" asked Brian.
The key questions included in the petition submitted to the CS were:
1. When will the construction of the said road commence?
2. What is the proposed final map setting out the construction of the road?
3. How many changes have been undertaken on the map in (2) above?
4. If changes referred to in (3) above have taken place, what is the reason for the change?
5. With regard to the construction of the road, how will the community's schools and worship centres be affected?
6. What is the government position to compensate the communities that will be affected by the Yaya-Langata road?
The group has been given an ultimatum of 21 days for their concerns to be addressed by the government.