This archive report was first published on 9 July 2019.
As of July 9, 2019, Pumzi Lane, a once-deplorable street in Nairobi, has undergone a remarkable transformation. The road, which stretched from Mondlane Street to Khoja Junction, had been in a state of disrepair for a long time.
Heavy rains in the previous year had exacerbated the situation, leaving the road in a potholed and garbage-filled state. The area had become a haven for street urchins and the city's homeless population.
However, thanks to relentless public pressure and media coverage, the Nairobi City County Government finally took action to rehabilitate the street. The project, which began on September 28, 2018, was financed by the Road Maintenance Levy Fund.
As of July 9, 2019, the road has been fully tarmacked, with pedestrian walkways on either side, allowing residents to navigate with ease. The adjoining lanes, including Nuru Lane and Moi Lane, have also been improved with the installation of cabro and zebra crossings.
While the final stretch at the Khoja Junction is still under construction, the street is now a one-way access, with one lane reserved for parking. However, this has left Public Service Vehicles plying the Roysambu and Kahawa West route with limited space for pick-up and drop-off points.
