Eastleigh

From potholes to paradise: Eastlegh’s Waudo Street remarkable transformation

Traders and members of the public going about their activities in the now well tarmacked and clean Waudo street.

By Abdirahman Khalif | Friday, December 22, 2023

Once mired in mud and impassable by car, Waudo Street in Eastleigh's California Estate has risen from neglect to become a vibrant hub of commerce and community.

Once mired in mud and impassable by car, Waudo Street in Eastleigh's California Estate has risen from neglect to become a vibrant hub of commerce and community. This once desolate stretch is now a bustling artery, its journey from pothole nightmare to commercial paradise serving as a testament to the transformative power of infrastructure improvement.

The previous state of Waudo Street.

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The transformation is stark. Gone are the dusty rocks and muddy craters that plagued the street, replaced by smooth tarmac inviting a flurry of business activity. Shops, hospitals, salons, and hotels now line the street, while towering 14-story buildings pierce the skyline, symbolizing the area's impressive growth.

But Waudo Street comes alive after dusk. As traffic seeks alternative routes to escape Yusuf Haji Road gridlock, the street becomes a buzzing hotspot for young people. Plastic chairs sprout, transformed into makeshift gathering spaces where friends share affordable meals from small restaurants and sip on camel milk tea, swapping stories and catching up.

The current state of the well tarmacked Waudo Street.

Abdiaziz Ahmed, a young professional from Nairobi's CBD, is a regular visitor. Drawn by the friendly atmosphere and budget-friendly fare, he finds Waudo Street the perfect place to unwind after work. "We enjoy our dinners here because the food is cheap and tasty," he says, echoing the sentiment of many young patrons.

Halima Abdi, a local restaurant owner, attributes the street's success to the newfound accessibility and affordability. Dust-free streets and easy container shop rentals have created a business-friendly environment, attracting both customers and investments. "Container shops are cheaper to rent, so we can offer affordable food, which brings in the crowds," she explains with a grin.

Waudo Street's evolution isn't confined to its own stretch. The completion of upscale apartments and a burgeoning population fuel the growth of local businesses, creating a symbiotic ecosystem of commerce and community.

Beyond paving the way for easier transportation, Waudo Street's makeover serves as a shining example of how infrastructure development can catalyze positive change. It demonstrates how enhancing basic amenities can revitalize communities, foster businesses, and create a thriving hub where once stood a neglected lane. As Waudo Street continues its upward trajectory, one can't help but wonder if it might become the next "jam street" of Eastleigh, a pulsating heart of the community, beating with the rhythm of commerce and camaraderie.