No gated community in Naka: County moves to remove unauthorized gates blocking public access roads
A gate in Naka marked by the county set to be demolished after a section of residents raised concers over access issues
Nakuru County enforcement officers have moved to remove unauthorized gates erected across public access roads following complaints from a section of homeowners.
The operation targeted gates that residents say had been installed without proper consultation and in violation of regulations governing public roads.
While some residents argued the gates were necessary to enhance security, others maintained they illegally blocked access to roads meant for public use.
Speaking in a phone interview, Nakuru County Director of Enforcement Charles Nyanaro said the exercise was prompted by complaints lodged by residents.
"There are those gates that we have already removed, but some have been marked for removal," Nyanaro said, adding that the county is committed to ensuring public access roads remain open.
A spot check by Mtaa Wangu in Naka confirmed that while several gates had already been dismantled, others remained standing but had been marked by the county for removal.
A gate marked by Nakuru county government set to be demolished
According to Naka Residents Association Secretary Monica Kahuha, the enforcement action was not initiated by the county but was a response to concerns raised by residents over roads that had been blocked without their consent.
"We also need a gated community, but there are roads that you cannot block. That is very clear. Some of the gates had been erected without consulting residents," she said.
Monica said residents had initially embraced the idea of installing gates because of rising insecurity in the estate.
She explained that criminals riding motorcycles had been terrorizing residents.
However, she said the implementation of the project created divisions after some access roads were blocked without following the required procedures or involving all residents in the decision-making process.
She revealed that at least two gates had already been removed.
"It is the residents who complained. The enforcement officers only responded after receiving the complaints," she confirmed.
The road leading to Exel school in Naka where the country has marked a gated community gate for removal.
The issue has since sparked mixed reactions within the estate and on social media. While some residents praised the county for restoring access to public roads, others expressed concern that removing the gates could expose the neighbourhood to criminals.
Monica further noted that some of the gates remained permanently locked and were not manned by security personnel, making movement difficult for residents, visitors and emergency responders.
She added that homeowners who had contributed towards the installation of the gates later questioned the process after learning the structures had been erected without the necessary approval requirements.
Some of those responsible had reportedly been issued with notices to remove the gates before the county stepped in.
The incident has reignited debate over the growing trend of gated communities in Nakuru, highlighting the challenge of balancing neighbourhood security with the legal requirement to keep public access roads open.