By Alex Maina
For several months, residents of Kamkunji, Kidiwa, LC estate and Kambi Karatasi lived under severe sanitary conditions caused by a growing sewage problem that disrupted daily life and threatened public health.
The situation, which had first begun in 2025 as occasional sewer blockages, worsened significantly by January 2026. What was once manageable escalated into frequent and widespread sewage spillage across the area. Wastewater began flowing through pathways, near homes, and around business premises, creating an unsafe and undignified environment for residents.
The impact on daily life was severe. Residents described unbearable stench filling the air, alongside an increase in flies and insects. During rainy seasons, the situation deteriorated further as contaminated water spread across walkways and compounds, making movement difficult and exposing families to health risks such as waterborne diseases.
One resident, Millie Adhiambo, shared her distress, saying: “Hii shida ya sewage imetusumbua sana, watoto wetu wanacheza nje ya gate na hapo tu sewage inapita. It’s a risk we cannot turn a blind eye to, tusaidiwe jameni.” Her statement reflected the fear shared by many families, especially those living near the overflowing sewer lines.
Another resident, James Kariuki from Kambi Karatasi, also expressed concern about the worsening situation during rainy periods. He said, “Venye mvua inanyesha sahi then ipatane na hii sewage hua ina overflow inaingia kwa ploti, this is a health hazard na tutagonjeka tusipochunga.” His remarks highlighted the increased danger during rainfall when sewage water floods residential areas.
It was against this backdrop of growing concern that the issue was first formally raised during a community baraza held in February 2026. Residents called for urgent intervention, highlighting the worsening conditions and demanding action from relevant authorities.
During that meeting, Kilimani BUDA CBO was tasked with following up on the matter and coordinating community response efforts.
Acting on this responsibility, BUDA CBO collected community concerns and documented the extent of the problem. On 30th March 2026, they officially wrote to ELDOWAS, outlining the severity of sewage spillage in Kamkunji, Kidiwa, and Kambi Karatasi and requesting urgent intervention.
Following the submission of the letter, response efforts began to emerge. In the second week of April 2026, repair works were first observed in LC Estate, marking the beginning of active intervention. During the same period, Kamkunji, Kidiwa, and Kambi Karatasi also began experiencing noticeable reductions in sewer overflow cases.
Since then, improvements have continued gradually. Blocked sewer systems have been cleared more consistently, and wastewater overflow has significantly reduced compared to previous months. Residents now report improved sanitation and reduced health risks across the area.
Mama Peter from Kidiwa appreciated the improvements, saying: “Sasa angalau tunaona mabadiliko, zile sewer spills zimepungua sana compared na awali. Hii inatusaidia sana kwa afya yetu na hata mazingira ya hapa Kidiwa sasa iko better.”
To date, the response from ELDOWAS has become faster and more efficient than before, bringing renewed hope to affected communities.
Kevin Kibore of BUDA CBO praised the progress, noting that structured community follow-up and organized advocacy played a key role in pushing for action and sustaining response efforts.
The transformation from crisis to recovery highlights how community voices, when organized and persistent, can lead to meaningful and lasting change in public service delivery.
