Nairobi MCA pushes for street lighting to tame crime in dark alleys
Many streets, parks, social venues, and markets in Nairobi remain shrouded in darkness, creating ideal conditions for criminals to operate.
As nightfall descends on Nairobi, residents in many parts of the city are left to navigate unsafe and poorly lit streets, a daily reality that has made movement risky and limited economic activity after dark.
A new motion before the Nairobi County Assembly proposes to change this by requiring the county government to install streetlights on major roads, feeder streets, and back alleys, aiming to enhance safety and support Nairobi’s plan to become a 24-hour economy.
The motion, introduced by South B MCA and Minority Leader Waithera Chege, calls on the county executive to develop a comprehensive policy for street lighting management across the city.
Chege links the increasing insecurity in Nairobi to the poor condition and absence of functional lights in many public areas.
Although the county government previously installed high-mast lights and street lamps to boost safety and business, most of these are no longer working due to vandalism, theft, and lack of maintenance. This failure has left many neighborhoods vulnerable to crime, the motion notes.
“…this Assembly urges the county executive to formulate a policy to provide for a legal framework for management of public/streetlights in the streets, public social areas, public parks, county public roads and markets in the county,” the motion reads.
The document highlights that residents and businesses are frequently targeted by criminal gangs, especially in poorly lit or completely dark areas, resulting in injuries, deaths, and property loss.
Many streets, parks, social venues, and markets remain shrouded in darkness, creating ideal conditions for criminals to operate.
The lack of lighting has not only increased insecurity but also discouraged legitimate economic activities, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
The motion stresses that for Nairobi to achieve its ambition of running a 24-hour economy, safety and security must be guaranteed.
Chege urges Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration to prioritise street lighting, arguing that well-lit public spaces will reduce crime and stimulate economic growth.
