Another road expansion set to pass through Kibera is causing jitters among residents.
The road is to link Ngong’ road and the southern bypass which passes through Lang’ata. Schools houses, businesses among other structures, are set to be brought down to pave the way for the impending construction that is supposed to start soon, according to officials.
For traders who operate along the area, the road’s construction signals the beginning of tribulations. Onesmus Mboya is a trader at Namba Nane market which runs from Ngong’ Road to Kibera Drive junction. He is also the chairman of the traders at that market.
“I have been operating my business at this market for close to 23 years now. I’m also one of the first to set up shop here and 800 businesses and sellers at that market,’’ Mboya said.
He wonders how they will fend for their families if they get evicted to give way for the road to be built.
Although many of the business people there knew that the market was on a road reserve, Mboya said that they just chose to set up their businesses their as Nairobi lacks enough spaces to set up markets.
Dozens of kiosks have already been marked with big, red X signs, a symbol that an impending demolition of structures is in place.
Kibera sub-county commissioner, Betty Gikunda said, ‘‘People should welcome this road project. They should not allow people with self interests.”
She added that contractors and surveyors are already on site and that actual construction is starting soon.