By Alex Maina
When evening settles over Kambi Thomas, Keroka, Kambi Mwangi, Kapchumba, and Judea villages, a deep silence takes over the area. The roads that are lively during the day slowly disappear into darkness, leaving residents anxious and vulnerable. For many, nightfall no longer signals rest, but fear.
On 15th May 2026, during the Writafrica community baraza held at the Kilimani Chief’s Office in Kambi Thomas, residents from the five villages gathered to raise one urgent concern affecting their daily lives the lack of streetlights along major roads and connecting pathways. As darkness spreads, movement becomes difficult and insecurity rises sharply.
Community members explained that the absence of streetlights has turned roads into danger zones after sunset. Footpaths connecting homes and villages become nearly impossible to navigate safely, leaving residents exposed to attacks.
One resident, Sarah Babra, shared a painful personal experience that brought the issue into sharp focus. She recalled walking home one evening after 7pm when she was cornered by unknown individuals along Kapchumba Road. Hidden by the darkness, the attackers suddenly emerged and forcefully snatched her phone before disappearing into the night. The incident, she said, left her shaken and fearful of moving around the area after dark.
Another resident, Margaret Chepkemoi, spoke emotionally, drawing attention to the seriousness of the insecurity. “Just imagine, even the road to Baharini Police Station does not have streetlights. You get mugged just outside the police station,” she said, a statement that left many shocked.
Addressing the concerns, Madam Rose Chelimo from the office of the Ward Administrator assured residents that streetlights remain a priority and are already included in the ward budget. She explained that implementation is ongoing, with priority currently being given to market centers before extending to other residential areas. Her remarks offered hope to residents who have waited for years to see such development reach their villages.
However, Madam Gladys Bitok, the area chief, pointed out another challenge affecting implementation. She explained that in many parts of the area, there is no clear space to install streetlights because some landowners have constructed houses too close to or directly on road reserves. She urged landowners to respect public access spaces and work together to allow infrastructure development that benefits the whole community.
Adding to the discussion, Harrison Joseph from BUDA CBO emphasized the need for practical follow-up beyond the baraza. He stated that BUDA CBO would work closely with appointed community members to draft formal follow-up letters to the MCA’s office regarding the urgent need for streetlights in the affected villages. He noted that consistent engagement with leadership would help ensure the matter remains a priority until action is taken.
As the baraza came to a close, one message was clear, darkness should no longer define Kambi Thomas, Keroka, Kambi Mwangi, Kapchumba, and Judea. Residents left hopeful that through unity, persistence, and follow-up action, light will soon shine across their roads and restore safety to their nights.
