Nairobi News

Handcart menace

Handcarts around  Wakulima and Retail markets in the city centre are a main cause of obstruction on the roads, especially in the mornings, says Njeri Wagura.

It is odd that no one seems to remember this while seeking out solutions to traffic problems, she adds.

As County Hall grapples with the traffic jams, let the authorities think of ways to divert mkokoteni (hardcarts) traffic so as to ease pressure on the roads. It might emerge — at the end  — that very small and seemingly insignificant things are the culprit in causing the jams experienced in the rush hour.

As residents participate in the unusual exercise, county policy makers should ensure that different ideas put across by residents must be considered to change the lives of all, she adds.

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Clear foot bridges

The footbridges next to Country Bus Station that should be used by people crossing Ladhies Road from Muthurwa is still invaded by street people, says Joel Shiggara.

Many pedestrians cannot, therefore, use them to cross and they have to keep running across the busy road. He has complained about this before on this page, but the county government seems to have turned a deaf ear to him.

Pedestrians crossing roads contribute a lot the traffic snarl-ups that so cripple operations, he says. County Hall must do something to ensure the bridges occupied by such people are cleared and kept clean enough for people to use them for the purpose they were meant for, says Shiggara.

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Contained?

Why should pupils be made to learn in containers instead of proper classrooms? asks Gerald Maina. Why do we look for temporary solutions to permanent problems? Maina continues. Classrooms or schools will always be needed and in use.

Unless we anticipate the ‘end’ is coming really soon, then such facilities should be built to last because they will be needed always.

The suggestion that pupils in slums and some other deprived areas will study in containers makes him wonder how it will be when the weather is really hot or cold. He believes staying in there will be an unbearable experience for pupils.

On second thoughts, however, he says the containers may be better than no classrooms at all.

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Homophobia

It is sad to read about homosexuals in Kenya having to flee their homes, writes Susan Mwangangi. The Government must remember that these are Kenyans and they are entitled to protection.

Unless it wants to go the Museveni way and pass a law against homosexuality, the government should ensure every citizen, regardless of their sexual orientation, is able to peacefully live in their homes.

Some of the people, as they confessed, are even taking care of children and it is painful to imagine the confusion when they have to live away from home or move houses for fear of being attacked.

I am indifferent about homosexuals, but I know they are human like me and they should be given their space, she says.