This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
Published on July 18, 2019, Nakuru is on the cusp of becoming a city, but its oldest estates are a far cry from the modern infrastructure that comes with urbanization.
Established in the 1950s by the colonial administration, Kivumbini, Ojuka, Kaloleni Phase One and Phase Two, Baharini, and Shauri Yako estates have been plagued by lack of maintenance, leading to their dilapidated state.
Despite being connected to the municipality's main water lines, these estates have never suffered from water shortages, unlike newer developments in the town.
However, overpopulation and poor maintenance have resulted in frequent sewer bursts, exposing residents to diseases. Residents have reported experiencing health issues due to the sewer bursts, which occur on rainy days.
"We have been exposed to unnecessary infectious diseases as a result of the sewer bursts that normally occur on rainy days. This is a health hazard to our children," said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
Residents also expressed concerns about the asbestos used to cover the roofs, which they claim poses a health risk, especially during hot and dry weather conditions.
"The heat from the asbestos-roofed houses is too much for us during hot and dry seasons. At some point, we have been forced to leave our windows open at night for fresh air," said Millicent Otieno, a resident of Shauri Yako Estate.
However, the Ministry of Health has been working with the World Health Organisation to replace the asbestos roofs with iron sheets, citing the health risks associated with asbestos.
Efforts to replace the roofs have been underway, with almost all asbestos roofs in Kivumbini estate being replaced with iron sheets.
