Right behind Bargain Stores was a vibrant street lined with shops that sold all manner of caps.

So famous was this street that residents christened it Makofia street.

However, all this changed when a private developer put up an apartment in the area, forcing a section of the stalls to close.

During the construction of the apartment, the contractor closed off a section of the road that connects to Mburu Gichua road, making it hard for the customers to access Makofia street.

The activities at the area died down slowly, as customers found alternative shops to get their caps.

Now, one side of makofia street is a dumpsite. It also doubles up as an ‘open toilet’ for street families prompting one to make careful steps while navigating the street.

Mr. Rivanus Ogeto, a business person who knits cereal bags at the street reveals that this problem started when construction of the apartment kicked off.

The closure of the road and the dumping of waste from the construction site, he adds, led to another menace of stagnant rain water due to the heaps of solid waste dumped at the street.

Construction waste piled outside the street.

Photo credit: PRISTONE MAMBILI|MTAA WANGU

The trader adds that their attempts to raise concerns with the private developer have been in vain as no response has been availed.

“We have tried as much as we can to reach those who can assist but no help has come forth. This place is not conducive for business,” he says.

Mary Akoth, another business woman operating a stall at the street, decries the many challenges they encounter especially when it rains.

The traders are now appealing to the County Government to step in and ensure the private developer clears the mess at the street, so that it can attract customers as before.

pmambili@gmail.com

What happened to Makofia street at Bargain

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Pristone Mambili