a Nairobians.com Magazine
Ruaraka - Rudest policewoman in Nairobi
A member of the public who went for a driving test in Ruaraka police station in January 2006 encountered what she describes as a policewoman who “is so rude she gives rudeness a new definition.” Writing to the East African Standard’s ‘Face the Facts’ column, the member of the public complains that this policewoman’s rudeness is habitual, and that she insults people regularly, without conscience and with a sneer.
Kahawa West, Githurai, Zimmerman – darkness engulfs
Kahawa West, Githurai, Zimmerman are apparently suffering chronic blackouts, according to complaints made to the East African Standard’s ‘Face the Facts’ column. In the latter half of January, till now, electricity has often been absent all night long and often beyond dawn. These blackouts raise many security concerns for residents.
‘Beautification’ of Nairobi city embarked upon
Following widespread outcry about the state of Nairobian street, Nairobi City Council embarked on “the beautification of Nairobi City project.” The regrowth of rare plant species, such as Begonia, Anthurium and Prunus Africana, was promised in conjunction with the department of the environment. Landscaping of roads reserves, roundabouts and open spaces, urban afforestation, and maintenance of recreational facilities (such as parks) was also on the agenda. There was also a clamp down of littering, which faces heft fines or a trip to a police station.
NCC urges Nairobians to help beautify Nairobi
NCC (Nairobi City Council) claims success stories in its quest to beautify Nairobi. These include Muindi Mbingu Street, Mama Ngina Street, Aga Khan Walk, Ngara area, and University Way. NCC has also been urging private premise owners to assist its ‘beautification of Nairobi’ quest. NCC staff offer technical assistance to private premises for these purposes, on request.
Population of Nairobi at record levels
At Kenyan Independence, in 1963, the population of Nairobi stood at approximately 350,000 people (based on the 1959 census). The population of Nairobi has since grown to its current level of 3.2 million. This is an annual growth rate of 7% and it means that approximately 10% of Kenyans count themselves as Nairobians.
Street children enrolled in NYS
Former street children/teenagers have been enrolled into the NYS (National Youth Service) as part of a government scheme to rehabilitate them. Hundreds of youths at a time undergo training in general skills at various NYS sites, such as that in Gilgil. Vocational training is also on offer. It is hoped that youths emerge with skills and discipline necessary for resumption of education, further training, or employment.
*picture (City Hall) by Nairobi City Council;
The capital’s council, NCC, is calling on members of the public to help maintain and protect its conservation efforts. This is part of the council’s wider agenda of cleaning up and beautifying what was once known as the “city in the sun.” The council is keen to revive that title, renaming Nairobi “the green city in the sun.”
Housing schemes in the Eastlands
Low cost tenant purchase housing schemes in Dandora, Umoja, Kayole and Kahawa are said to be contributing substantially to the provision of housing in Nairobi. Nairobi carries at least 10% of Kenya’s population. This results in demand which creates shortages in affordable housing.
Bid to rehabilitate street families
A bid to “spearhead, mobilize and collect all street people …from the Central Business District” has been underway for the last three years. Nairobians hope that the Local Government ministry can ensure that this continues to be done, and that the families are offered long-term alternatives as part of the rehabilitation scheme – including housing and employment.
Nairobians reluctant to pay rates
NCC has been urging Nairobians to pay their council rates. Three years ago, these unpaid rates amounted to KSh 4 billion. Some social commentators argue that some Nairobians’ reluctance to pay rates was due to difficult economic conditions in the late 1990s, as well as disillusionment with the NCC’s services during that time.
Drug rehabilitation of street dwellers
The government’s bid to rehabilitate street families is said to have reached a few thousand individuals classified as being in low to high risk categories – whereby high risk individuals are addicted to drugs, alcohol or other substances. Rehabilitation includes feeding, recreation, education, counselling and clinical treatment. Social workers and support staff are involved in these provisions, as well as coordinators.
Street vending regulated
Street vending is under regulation in the central business district of Nairobi. Particular lanes have been allocated to 7000 vendors, but up to 8000 other vendors do not have lane allocations. Vendors are required to pay weekly levies. These lanes include Timboroa, Luthuli, Sheikh Karume, Mfangano, Latema, Gaberone, and the Bus Station.