KINO: Residents of Kinoo are urging Kiambu County Governor Kimani Wamatangi to expedite the installation of streetlights in the region, particularly targeting the underpass roads that have become focal points for rising insecurity. As night falls, the bustling market town along Waiyaki transforms into a silent, eerie place, prompting fears among residents and traders who must close their businesses in the evening.
According to Kenya News Agency, Sylvia Kamau, a baker who frequents Kinoo for business supplies, recounted a distressing incident where she was robbed at knifepoint by two thieves. The attack, occurring shortly after 8 p.m., has left Kamau wary of visiting the area after dark. She notes that the underpasses have become gathering spots for idlers who often engage in petty crimes, urging the county government to install streetlights to enhance security.
In September 2024, Governor Wamatangi launched a solar-powered street lighting project aimed at boosting security across Kiambu County. Kamau hopes
that this initiative will soon extend to Kinoo, emphasizing that improved lighting could help deter criminals preying on unsuspecting residents and visitors. She implores the county leadership to prioritize the safety of the community, investors, and visitors alike.
James Njagi, a small businessman from nearby Kangemi, echoes Kamau’s concerns, noting his own encounters with thieves. Njagi explains that the prevalence of joblessness and substance abuse among local youths contributes to nighttime thefts, prompting him to avoid walking home after 10 p.m. and instead rely on motorcycle taxis for safety.
A police officer from Kabete police station, speaking anonymously, acknowledged the limitations of law enforcement in curbing insecurity but stressed the importance of streetlights in deterring criminal activity. While security patrols are conducted regularly, the officer recommended that the underpasses from Kabete through Kinoo to Kiambaa be fitted with lights to complement ongoing patrol efforts.