By Reinhard Kenyani | Mtaani Radio News
Published: July 14, 2026
KAWANGWARE, NAIROBI For nearly a decade, the residents of Kawangware have lived with the “ghost” of a promise that never materialized. Salim Road, once envisioned as a key transport artery for the area, remains an unfinished, potholed stretch that continues to frustrate thousands of commuters and local business owners.
The project, which broke ground in 2016, was initially hailed as a short-term upgrade that would revolutionize transport in Dagoretti. However, eight years later, the road has become a symbol of government neglect and stalled development.
For the people who use Salim Road daily, the conditions are a constant battle against the elements. James Wambua, a regular commuter, describes a nightmare scenario that changes with the weather.
“The situation is dire. In the heat, we live in a dust bowl that causes respiratory issues. When the rains come, it transforms into an impassable swamp. We are tired of being ignored,” Wambua told Mtaani Radio.
The poor drainage system means that during heavy downpours, motorists and pedestrians alike are forced to navigate through deep mud, often bringing transport in the area to a complete standstill.
The stalled construction is not just an inconvenience; it is hitting the pockets of local transporters. Wycliffe Karani, a boda boda rider whose livelihood depends on the road, says the craters and loose stones have made his business unsustainable.
“It is an uphill battle to keep my motorcycle on the road,” Karani explained. “Frequent mechanical breakdowns because of the deep potholes mean I spend more time at the garage and less time earning. At the end of the day, there is less money to take home to my family.”
The economic ripple effect is being felt acutely at the popular Soko Mjinga market. Robert Nyongeza, a business owner in the area, says the community has officially run out of patience.
According to Nyongeza, the incomplete road is actively choking the local economy by making it difficult for suppliers to deliver goods and for customers to reach the shops.
“We are not just asking for a luxury; we are asking for a basic necessity to keep our businesses alive. The authorities must stop the talk and finish the work,” Nyongeza urged.
The sentiment across Kawangware is unanimous: the “construction-in-progress” signs that have stood for years need to come down and be replaced by a completed road.
As the community continues to wait for the return of heavy machinery, the demand for accountability remains loud. Residents maintain that a completed Salim Road is the only way to restore dignity to the area and unlock the economic potential of Dagoretti North.
Mtaani radio 1st wrote about this 7 years ago https://soundcloud.com/amata-kamadi/kamadi-miradi-hoi-dagoretti?si=577307ff88034db49fda743cb12768e5&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
