Why Sonko took pothole fixing machine to Runda and not Kibera

Senator Sonko testing the pothole fixing machine in Runda

Nairobi residents are unhappy with Senator Mike Sonko after he took a pothole fixing machine to Runda, near his home, and not Kibera.

Sonko has however defended his actions following the May 13 launch of the machine.

 “I know some people are already asking questions about my decision to launch this new machine here in Runda. We chose Runda because the area is free of traffic, and is less congested,” said Sonko.

Sonko told The Nairobian that, “Some of the roads here are old and have potholes, just like roads in other places. Please let us not politicise the whole thing.”

While demonstrating how the machine works, with the help of an engineer, Sonko jokingly said: “This is really a powerful machine ata iko na mkojo yake. Itasaidia sana. But we are going to move to other estates as soon as we exchange ideas with concerned authorities and the county government.”

The machine, which is the latest innovation from United Kingdom and Avery East Africa (AEA), has the ability to mix water, tar and small sand through a single pipe under pressure. The mixture is then used to fill potholes in under five minutes.

The machine came courtesy of Avery East Africa). AEA CEO Nicholus Kithinji said: “The machine has been used in the UK, Europe, United States and the first country in Africa was South Africa and now it is in Kenya.”

He added that, “It has the ability to fix potholes and patches permanently.”