A storm is brewing in Muthangari area of Westlands, Nairobi, following the recent mushrooming of kiosks and informal settlements in the estate.
Businesses and homeowners, especially those along Muthangari Drive, are up in arms about the said kiosks, which they say have been erected on pavements and walkways, impeding ease of movement and causing insecurity.
The business community laments that the ‘illegal’ structures have been built in front of their establishments, greatly disturbing free flow of customers.
The business owners and residents now claim that the recent trend could be a plot by powerful individuals at City Hall to grab land in the area.
There are allegations that these individuals have been bribing county government officials up to KSh500,000 for every structure erected, in outright disregard of the Nairobi City’s planning and construction by-laws.
Making life difficult
Yet this kiosks are now making life difficult for other businesses and road users in the area.
International organizations and large business entities are now forced to endure the hassle of navigating through heavy traffic congestion just to get to work or conduct their business.
Business owners along Muthangari Drive are now calling upon all the relevant authorities to come to their rescue and restore order, with some claiming they have received threats from the cartels.
