Rose Wanja’s Kangemi Campaign Pays Off as County Backs Safer Walkways and Orderly Matatu Operations

Nairobi City County has reinforced efforts to restore order in Kangemi, marking a major milestone for Rose Wanja, whose sustained campaign for safer walkways and orderly transport operations has been successful.

For months, Wanja has consistently raised concerns over blocked pedestrian walkways, illegal obstructions, transport congestion and the misuse of public spaces in Kangemi. Her persistence has now borne fruit, with the County taking a stronger position on the issues she has championed.

The County made it clear that matatus will not be allowed to block roads or access ways, while traders unlawfully occupying transport stages or obstructing pedestrian walkways will face enforcement action.

Businesses extending their operations onto roads and other public spaces will similarly be required to comply with existing regulations.

The latest developments have been welcomed as a significant success for Wanja, whose determination has kept the concerns of pedestrians and other road users at the centre of discussions surrounding Kangemi’s public spaces.

Engineer Kigen clarified that allocation of transport stages in Kangemi will follow a first-come, first-served principle, based on the order in which SACCOs were registered and authorized to operate.

KMO, Digital and KC were identified among the first SACCOs operating in the area. Once the available stage capacity is full, additional operators will not be allowed to enter and create more congestion.

The County also emphasized that only two vehicles should pick up or drop off passengers at any one time, preventing vehicles from forming long queues along the road and turning the carriageway into a holding area.

Authorities further clarified the distinction between Routes 22 and 23. Route 22 should follow its designated route under the bridge and should not cross to the Uthiru-bound side to drop passengers, while Route 23 is designated to enter Kangemi.

Passengers have been encouraged to identify their routes and board the appropriate vehicles to help improve traffic flow and reduce confusion.

A CAMPAIGN THAT REFUSED TO GO QUITE

Wanja’s latest success follows months of consistent advocacy for the protection of pedestrian walkways and proper management of public spaces.

Earlier this year, she became involved in a court dispute with Kangemi MCA Hamisi Maleya over the obstruction of pedestrian walkways. Wanja won the case, with the court ruling in her favour and awarding costs.

The legal victory strengthened her position that public walkways must remain accessible to pedestrians and should not be taken over by unlawful activities.

Rather than stopping there, Wanja continued engaging on the issue and pushing for practical solutions to the challenges facing pedestrians, traders and transport operators in Kangemi.

Her persistence has now been matched by renewed County action.

Observers say Wanja deserves recognition for refusing to abandon the issue and for keeping the need for order, safety and accountability in Kangemi firmly in the public spotlight.

Her approach has demonstrated the impact that determined community advocacy can have when it remains focused on practical solutions and the protection of public interests.

The County’s latest position represents a major milestone for the initiative she has championed, particularly on keeping pedestrian walkways clear, regulating transport stages and ensuring that roads remain available for movement.

For Kangemi residents, pedestrians and responsible transport operators, the developments offer hope of a cleaner, safer and more organized commercial centre.

Wanja’s initiative has therefore evolved from a call for action into a broader push for lasting change in Kangemi.

The message emerging from the latest County engagement is straightforward: walkways belong to pedestrians, roads should facilitate movement, and public spaces must remain accessible to everyone.

For Rose Wanja, the County’s renewed commitment is a significant achievement and a validation of her determination to make Kangemi safer, more orderly and better managed.