Link roads open up Nakuru for businesses

The upgrading of these roads could see land prices go up, according to Roads Engineer John Otiato.

"The link roads have made the city more attractive and this has led to an increase in property prices," he said.

Since independence, some of the businesses in the city have survived in dusty environments during dry seasons and muddy conditions on rainy days.

The improvement of road networks has seen traders start to expand their businesses.

Otiato said because of the new roads, Nakuru will be in the same class as Kenya's three other cities.

Most of these roads have been in a deplorable state since independence.

One of the roads is Mashindano Street which connects Kanu Street to General Kariba Road and runs to Afraha Stadium which is also undergoing refurbishment at a cost of Sh2 billion from the World Bank.

Sylvia Mwangi, the deputy director of Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) South Rift region said they have upgraded 22 kilometres of road network in the city at a cost of Sh1.8 billion.

"All the works on the link roads are being undertaken by Kura and we are here to do a good job in many parts of the city," she said.

Most of the businesses on Mashindano Street are grocery shops, two-star hotels, churches and offices of non-governmental organisations.

Genevive Hotel is one of the hospitality institutions on Mashindano Street and one of their customers is happy with the new development.

"We have lived here under dusty and muddy conditions but things are looking good after the construction of these roads," said Lucy Mwangi, a high school teacher who has resided in Freehold Estate for three decades.

Otiato said the upgrading of the roads has made it easier for those operating small businesses in the city.

"This has made it easier for the boda boda and taxis operators who can now work for longer hours," he said.

Another link road is Gilani Lane behind Gilani Supermarkets, the oldest supermarket in the city.

The lane connects Kenyatta Avenue to Government Road and some of the businesses situated here are bookshops, salons, barbershops and cafeterias.