Good Rains, Happy Farmers, Miserable Commuters
The rains are finally here. That is good news for the tens of thousands of Kenyans who grow food and tend livestock (they are better known as farmers). It is also a reassurance for those of us who just recline in our comfy armchairs and just hop to the next grocery store hoping that there is enough food stock for us to cart away (we, the so called white-collar, blue-collar crowd; fellas who have failed to till the earth to feed ourselves) . Ever seen a wad of notes in an empty store... that valued cash then becomes useless filthy lucre, a bunch of paper that you can't even chew. Farmers are our lifeline.
The current rains mean more money for the farmers and the nation at large, that is if it doesn't become too much. The rains also mean energy security as dams fill once more and hydroelectric power is produced on time. The rains are a blessing.
But for pedestrians in some of the city estates, for commuters plying city routes and for motorists in general, there is more to the rains than quenching the earth's thirst. In the central business district a.k.a city centre, there is little to worry about. The man they call John Gakuo -who holds the title Town Clerk (why don't they just call him City Clerk)- has done a good job. For once, all Kenyans agree that the City Council is delivering. Drainage in most parts of the CBD is fine and the beautification exercise has been a huge success. It is not only good for the eye but has also served as a motivator for most city dwellers walking into town. Most roads are also in good shape nowadays and the fact that landlords have been ordered to repaint their structures has meant that most city buildings have a new coat of paint.
But inside most city estates, the roads are in bad shape. This is mainly because they fall outside the cover of City Hall and the Ministry of Roads and Public Works. They are the responsibility of the estate owners. Many of the estate owners are plainly disinterested in ensuring the roads are in tip top condition. They have sold the houses... what else would they need the roads for? These roads are usually flooded and are a nuiscance to motorists, pedestrians and PSV operators alike. There is usually muddy effluence dripping down our estate roads, hazardous potholes lurking in the muddy waters and bone jarring bumps that have been hidden from our driving radars.
Something needs to be done and be done real fast.
The current rains mean more money for the farmers and the nation at large, that is if it doesn't become too much. The rains also mean energy security as dams fill once more and hydroelectric power is produced on time. The rains are a blessing.
But for pedestrians in some of the city estates, for commuters plying city routes and for motorists in general, there is more to the rains than quenching the earth's thirst. In the central business district a.k.a city centre, there is little to worry about. The man they call John Gakuo -who holds the title Town Clerk (why don't they just call him City Clerk)- has done a good job. For once, all Kenyans agree that the City Council is delivering. Drainage in most parts of the CBD is fine and the beautification exercise has been a huge success. It is not only good for the eye but has also served as a motivator for most city dwellers walking into town. Most roads are also in good shape nowadays and the fact that landlords have been ordered to repaint their structures has meant that most city buildings have a new coat of paint.
But inside most city estates, the roads are in bad shape. This is mainly because they fall outside the cover of City Hall and the Ministry of Roads and Public Works. They are the responsibility of the estate owners. Many of the estate owners are plainly disinterested in ensuring the roads are in tip top condition. They have sold the houses... what else would they need the roads for? These roads are usually flooded and are a nuiscance to motorists, pedestrians and PSV operators alike. There is usually muddy effluence dripping down our estate roads, hazardous potholes lurking in the muddy waters and bone jarring bumps that have been hidden from our driving radars.
Something needs to be done and be done real fast.
posted by Kelele Leo @ 11:15 PM
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