Non-enforcement of laws is causing emotional distress in urban areas

Many people have complained about the anarchy on our roads caused by human and vehicular traffic. There are concerns of disregard of building rules.

Multiple high-rise apartments, some structurally unsound, are built, dwarfing lower dwellings, blocking fresh air and light to residents, denying them privacy and intimidating them, multiplying population and traffic without commensurate water supply and infrastructure.

Kiosks and vendors are allowed on footpaths, exhibiting their wares right next to the road, forcing pedestrians on the roads.

There is inadequate drainage and developments on riparian lands, resulting in floods and disasters. There are laws governing all aspects of development and all that is required is implementation and enforcement. The consequences of non-enforcement of the law leads to fear, anxiety, stress, frustration, anger, depression and grief, the precursor to deteriorating mental and emotional health, sometimes leading to death.

Matatu, buses, taxis and boda boda are so unruly that police seem to have given up. Motorists and pedestrians disregard traffic lights, lane discipline, one-way traffic rules, in full view of the police. Slow motorists stay on the right on highways impeding overtaking in spite of the rule against it. This causes frustration and anger which affects emotional and mental health.

Overloaded boda boda emerge from the most unexpected directions and even defy traffic lights and stops at major roads. They overtake on the left, cycle on footpaths where pedestrians least expect them, scattering, scaring and injuring some. Inspector General of Police Japheth Koome recently said that motorcycles would also be required to follow traffic rules but implementation of this directive is pending. Matatu and buses drop and pick passengers anywhere even on highways, including Thika Road, despite the designated bus stops.

The late John Michuki is remembered with nostalgia for restoring sanity on the roads. The current Transport CS has a beaten path to follow.

Residential property developers were in the past required to leave spaces for children’s playgrounds. Lack of such spaces deny children recreation, a contributor to decadence, poor mental and emotional health.

Water is scarce in urban areas, with no visible signs of expansion to increase capacity. Estates are supplied with water once a week, if at all. Boreholes are sunk close to each other despite the spacing regulation, some drying others up. The residents get depressed by having to depend on unwholesome supply, a contributor to mental anguish and emotional pain for fear of contracting diseases.

The biggest source of mental anguish currently is the strike by medical staff, in all public hospitals, now threatening to extend to private ones. The majority of citizens cannot afford to seek medical attention in private hospitals and are therefore going through mental and emotional turmoil.

In the past, petrol stations were restricted to non-residential areas, as they deal in inflammable materials and therefore are a big threat in case of accidental fire.  Petrol stations have been built next to heavily populated residential areas and one wonders whether precautions are being taken. 

Noise pollution in residential areas from bars and night clubs deny children and adults quality sleep adversely affecting their physical and mental health. The hue and cry against this is generally ignored.

This is a clarion call to all those concerned in planning and running the country and especially urban areas to take action to avoid the chaos we are witnessing which is leading to poor emotional and mental health in the majority of the population.

-Ms Ndungu is a counselling psychologist practicing in Nairobi. ndungulois@gmail.com