This archive report was first published on 12 July 2020.
Nakuru Estates: A Tale of Decline ¶
Once the most sought-after residential areas for low-income earners, Nakuru's Kivumbini, Kaloleni, Flamingo, Paul Machanga, Baharini, and Ojuka estates have fallen into disrepair.
As of 2020, the estates are plagued by heaps of garbage, makeshift iron sheet structures, and deadly gangs.
Residents recall the golden era of the 1980s and early 1990s, when the estates boasted round-the-clock water supply, consistent electricity, and well-maintained playgrounds.
However, the situation has deteriorated over time, with the booming population and poor planning contributing to the decline.
Today, the estates are no-go zones, with residents and visitors alike avoiding them due to the high crime rate.
"The more disheartening thing is that no investors can put their money here because of the gangs. They will demand a protection fee and there is nothing you can do about it," said a resident who operated a kiosk in one of the estates.
Security agents and politicians have been blamed for the increase in crime, with some residents accusing them of corruption and turning a blind eye to the gangs' activities.
Nakuru County Commissioner Erustus Mbui Mwenda, however, absolved security agents from blame, citing frustration in their efforts to nail politicians and the criminals involved.
"There is a case in court against a politician who wanted to burn a petrol station. The matter is still pending even though police did their work. You can't blame police for justice delayed or denied," said Mr. Mbui.
As authorities seek solutions, residents continue to live in fear that their children will join the gangs.
"You can imagine the mental and psychological trauma most parents face, seeing their children being recruited into these gangs," said Mr. James Kanyotu, a resident of Flamingo Estate.
He added that the Covid-19 pandemic and the suspension of learning and other activities have made it easier for the gangs to target pupils.
Authorities have expressed concerns that primary schools neighbouring the estates are easy targets for radicalisation.
A boy in Kaloleni, who identified himself only as Tony, said the inconsistency in county and national government policies surrounding the matter and lack of political goodwill contribute to increased crime in the region.
"Nearly all these estates were constructed before independence and have outlived their usefulness due to a bursting population, but you only hear the government talking big from a distance about expanding affordable housing for the poor. On the ground things are different," he said.
Midrift Executive Director Joseph Omondi said that to make Nakuru safe and tame crime, the county must implement the action plan for preventing and countering violent extremism.
"These criminal gangs whose membership increases by the day is a ticking time bomb that will explode if no action is taken, particularly as we hit the homestretch to the 2022 General Election," he said.
