Residents of Ngei estate and motorists who use West Road have expressed their frustration with the mammoth potholes found right outside Evans Hospital that have turned their daily commute into an obstacle course of sorts.

Drivers, cyclists and boda boda operators have to navigate the road in twists and turns in a bid to save their tyres from the gaping potholes that are a sure recipe for tyre troubles.

While speaking to Mtaa Wangu, truck driver Julius Kiplagat shares, "It's really frustrating to drive on this road. Swerving to the wrong lane just to avoid potholes not only inconveniences other drivers on the road, it's also really unsafe especially if the oncoming car is being driven at a high speed."

Some of the deep potholes along West Road taken on November 15, 2023.

Photo credit: DILIGENCE ODONGO/MTAA WANGU

Sharing the same sentiments, Ngei estate resident, Mrs. Ashley Ochieng' notes that this is a main point of concern for Ngei residents.

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"Our only hope is that the County can work on this road especially during this rainy season. This can prevent incurring of additional costs and unnecessary accidents for drivers and especially those that are extremely new to this road," Mrs. Achieng' shares.

The potholes are not only an inconvenience for motorists, but also cyclists.

Bicycle boda boda operator Jonah Njenga shares, " These potholes are a safety hazard especially for us bicycle operators. Imagine how hard it is kuhepa izo shimo na umebeba customer especially mwenye ako na kilo alafu umake sure umerudi the right lane before mgongwe na gari."

Speaking on the matter, Nakuru County Roads, Transport and Public Works Executive, Eng. Michael Karanja, shared that although the road isn't under the county government's jurisdiction, they plan on spot-patching it.

Nakuru County Roads, Transport and Public Works Executive, Eng. Michael Karanja during an interview on November 15, 2023.

Photo credit: DILIGENCE ODONGO/MTAA WANGU

Eng. Karanja shares, "West Road is actually part of the many old and poorly serviced roads that the county government plans on repairing. The bad state of these roads was brought to our attention after our meeting with matatu owners. Although West Road is under the jurisdiction of Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), we will assist with the repairs."

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When asked when county intends to begin the repairs, he shares that they will possibly begin early next year once funding and procurement are approved and the rains have ceased.

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Residents decry road riddled with potholes in Ngei estate

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Diligence Odongo