Nairobi News

Dismal traffic. Even as Kenya Railways Corporation officials continue to appear before the Public Investments Committee over the controversial standard gauge railway tender, hard questions must be asked about the usefulness of some of the recently built railway stations, says Alfred Ng’ang’a.

He observes that since the Syokimau station was opened, it has only registered a dismal traffic  and reports indicate the corporation is operating at a loss, close to two years after it was opened.  The traffic at the Makadara and Imara Daima stations is also not encouraging, he adds. “This brings to the fore the question whether proper fiscal studies were done before sinking public money into the projects,” he says.

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Curb insecurity. While the spirit behind the plan to force businesses to install CCTV cameras, in a bid to curb runaway insecurity is proper, there is need for more consultation, says Wyclif Wako. The businessman notes that no one is safe today and the cameras may at the very least, serve to deter criminals from striking.

“But the cost of the cameras is not cheap and the  county government should explore the possibility of giving incentives to  businesses if its plan is to take off successfully,” he says. Knowing well that the county is already facing a shortage of cash, Wako advises the Dr Kidero administration to use the Public-Private Partnership model of funding to marshal money. “Ensuring security is key to prosperity,” he says.
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Police contacts.  Fred Gori, a victim of carjacking says it pays for motorists to have contacts of key police officers in their neighbourhoods. It could mean a world of difference between recovering their vehicle or losing it forever, he explains. Gori was attacked as he was driving to the estate shopping centre.

He says he is lucky to have survived the ordeal and learnt a few lessons. “One, cooperate with the thugs. Unless their mission is to kill, they most likely will spare you if you cooperate. Two, don’t wear a seat belt while driving for short distances in a residential area,” he says cautioning drivers against carrying their ATM cards with them. After the attack he called his police contacts and the car was later found.
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Clearly spelt out. The health docket at the county government is the only department that is delivering much needed services to Nairobians, says Beryl Adhiambo, who is impressed by the news that Sh2.5 billion will be spent to improve health centres.

“The report that there will be a level four hospital in each of the county’s 17 constituencies is enough to impress pessimistic residents like me,” she says. Adhiambo is,  however, quick to add that the project should be guarded from the hands of officials who are always on the lookout for opportunities to eat where they have not sown. To achieve this, she says County Hall should have clearly spelt out levels of accountability at each implementation stage.

Write to The People’s Champion at nnchampion@ke.nationmedia.com