Pope’s visit elicits mixed reactions among Kangemi residents

Children walk along a rehabilitated road leading to St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Kangemi where the Pope will say Mass on Friday. Some business people claim their lives have been disrupted and they are already losing business as preparations for the Pope's visit to Kangemi continue. PHOTO | ROBERT NGUGI | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • Mr Isuha said that roads, which are still being repaired, are expected to be ready by Wednesday.
  • According to Mr Isuha, blocked drainage systems in the area have also been unblocked.
  • The Kenya Power company has also installed a new transformer in the area.
  • The Pope, who arrives in the country on Wednesday, will say Mass at the Kangemi Catholic Parish on Friday.

Friday’s visit by Pope Francis to Kangemi is already eliciting mixed reactions among residents.

While many Kangemi residents are excited about infrastructural facelifts ahead of the Pope’s visit, a few, especially business people claim their lives have been disrupted and they are already losing business.

The Area County Assembly Member Peter Isuha said the Pope’s visit is all they needed for the area to get any development.

“We have had presented proposals for our people for many years and the Pope’s visit was the push we wanted,” said Mr. Isuha.

Mr Isuha said that roads, which are still being repaired, are expected to be ready by Wednesday.

He said that said security has improved with the installation of street lights.

DRAINAGE SYSTEM UNBLOCKED

According to Mr Isuha, blocked drainage systems in the area have also been unblocked.

“We are happy that drainage systems have been unblocked, roads have been graveled and faulty flood lights repaired in most parts of the slum,” said Mr Isuha.

The Kenya Power company has also installed a new transformer in the area.

The MCA said hawkers, who have been doing business along the link road to the main highway, have been relocated to allow for the repair of the road.

However, many business people, especially hawkers are not happy about the Pope’s visit which they claim has disrupted their lives.

“With the coming of only one man, we have been forced to move our stalls and this has led to the loss of our daily income from our businesses. Let him come and go,” a trader at Kangemi Market who declined to be named said.

The Pope, who arrives in the country on Wednesday, will say Mass at the Kangemi Catholic Parish on Friday.