A video shared by Citizen TV journalist Immanuel Ndung’u has sparked widespread anger among Nairobi residents after he documented and measured large potholes along Wood Avenue in Kilimani, highlighting the deteriorating state of roads in the upscale neighbourhood.
In the clip, Ndung’u is seen walking along the road inspecting multiple potholes, some filled with water, while using a measuring tape to assess their depth and length.
“Today, we’re going to be measuring potholes on Wood Avenue in Kilimani……..Pothole number one. Let’s measure it. 9 centimeters of water cover in pothole 1,” he shares in the video while measuring the potholes.
He records varying measurements, with some potholes reportedly reaching depths of over 15 centimetres and extending several metres in length, which he described as potentially damaging to vehicles.
The video, which was widely circulated on social media, quickly drew reactions from motorists and residents who expressed frustration over the poor condition of roads in Kilimani, an area typically associated with high-end residential and commercial developments.
Many users questioned how such a busy and prominent neighbourhood could have neglected infrastructure, with some calling on the Nairobi County government to urgently intervene and carry out repairs.
Ndung’u used the video to raise broader concerns about road safety and maintenance, urging motorists to ensure their vehicles are roadworthy while also questioning whether authorities are fulfilling their responsibility to maintain urban infrastructure.
The footage has reignited debate over Nairobi’s road maintenance challenges, with residents citing recurring pothole issues, poor drainage, and slow repair response times as ongoing concerns.
While the county government has previously pledged routine maintenance across the city, residents argue that enforcement and repair work remain inconsistent
Shortly after the video circulated, Nairobians flooded the comments section with criticism, sarcasm, and frustration over what many described as years of neglected infrastructure particularly in areas considered high-end residential and commercial zones.
Some users directly called out leaders, with one comment tagging Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and stating: “come here you have a missed call.”
Others focused on the irony of driving conditions in the city, with one widely shared remark reading: “Road-worthy cars on un-car worthy roads.”
Another user summed up frustration with a sharper critique of governance priorities, writing: “40% taxes for 140% mediocrity!”
The condition of Wood Avenue itself became a punchline for many users. One comment read: “Wood avenue ❌ Holes Avenue ✔️”
While many comments expressed anger, others leaned heavily into sarcasm and dark humour as a way of coping with the situation.
One user remarked: “But have you seen the new stadium?”—a comment interpreted as a jab at government spending priorities amid deteriorating urban infrastructure.
Another commenter reflected on how the area has changed over time, writing: “Miss the days when Wood Avenue used to be Wood Avenue. Now no more woods in the avenue, just skyscrapers, concrete and potholes.”
The sentiment was echoed by others who noted the contrast between rapid urban development in Kilimani and what they described as crumbling basic infrastructure such as roads and pedestrian walkways.
One user added: “When done measuring potholes, let us know what the width of pedestrian pavements looks like. From here it appears as nonexistent.”
The viral clip continues to circulate online, with Nairobians demanding accountability and quicker action to restore road conditions in the capital.
