Orderly development in South C will only be achieved when residents take a leading role in shaping how the estate is managed, South C MCA aspirant Abdirashid Biliki Hassan has said, arguing that stronger community associations are critical to addressing infrastructure failures, poor planning and insecurity.
During a Radio Generation interview on Friday, the Biliki Foundation founder said many of the estate's current problems stem from weak engagement between residents and Nairobi County, combined with inadequate enforcement of planning regulations. He said this had encouraged haphazard developments, traffic congestion and growing pressure on essential infrastructure.
Biliki said his administration would prioritise restoring order before pursuing any other development agenda, noting that proper regulation of ongoing construction projects would be essential in managing South C's continued expansion.
He explained that the estate has witnessed a surge in construction without adequate coordination, creating unnecessary congestion as heavy construction vehicles operate without proper schedules or designated parking arrangements.
The MCA hopeful also warned that increasing numbers of informal businesses operating within residential neighbourhoods were negatively affecting the estate's environment and planning standards.
"There are so many mushrooming businesses coming up. People are selling chapatis right on the sewer line. Someone is just opening a business out of his house. You can paint your house and brand it the way you want. Those are the issues that build up to making the place look like a slum. Number one, order should be restored."
Biliki said addressing South C's ageing infrastructure should go hand in hand with regulating new developments, noting that the sewerage network is already overstretched.
"Before going forward on building, let's first address the ailing infrastructure in South C. Those sewer lines cannot hold the amount of sewage for the current population. Whoever is building apartments should identify their sewer line. Some developers are expanding reticulation at their own cost before connecting to the main trunk. That is only a partial solution."
He said residents' associations should become more influential in public participation, planning and oversight, but observed that the existing association had not fully performed that responsibility.
Biliki disclosed that his foundation has already registered 186 businesses as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders and encourage residents to become more involved in local governance.
"We have registered 186 businesses so far. What we are trying to do is first have a stakeholder meeting and enlighten people on the powers that associations have. Once you are in South C, you can create your own network of government where you cannot allow certain things to happen."
He further criticised Nairobi County's Boroughs Department, saying it had failed to effectively connect residents and ward administrators with City Hall, leaving a gap in service delivery and accountability.
"The Boroughs Department is sleeping on their job. Their main work is to connect ward administrators with City Hall. There is a gap, and someone is not doing what they were told to do."
Biliki maintained that stronger residents' associations would improve planning, security and public participation while ensuring county officials remain accountable to the people they serve. He said lasting improvements in South C would depend on residents working together to protect the estate's future.