This archive report was first published on 12 July 2019.
Published on July 12, 2019, residents of Nyeri's Asian Quarters estate are bracing themselves for increased traffic and potential safety risks as the county government's plan to set up a mega bus terminus near their homes gains momentum.
The estate, which is home to mostly middle-income families, had previously been plagued by a dumpsite that was relocated after a successful petition to the county government. However, the reprieve was short-lived as the county announced plans to redirect major traffic through the estate as part of the mega bus terminus project.
Former Nyeri Town MP Esther Murugi, who is also a resident of the estate, expressed concerns about the safety of homeowners. 'We are not opposed to the project, it is a good initiative. However, we want the county to consider our views and assist us to keep our neighbourhood intact and safe,' she said.
Residents have proposed turning their estate into a gated community to mitigate the risks associated with the project. 'Despite our efforts to offer a solution, we were are still in limbo as to the way forward. If the county is offering us an option we will gladly take it, even if it means them buying us out,' Ms Murugi explained.
County Executive for Infrastructure and Urban Planning Kwai Wanjaria assured residents that their concerns would be addressed. 'We have agreed to make the estate a gated community and put up barriers around the homes,' he said.
