Residents Petition Over Dead Streetlights as Crime Surges in Kisauni

By Mbugu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Mjambere ward residents of Kisauni Subcounty have petitioned the Mombasa County Government to urgently repair and install streetlights following a sharp rise in nighttime crime perpetrated by criminal gangs.

Hundreds of residents on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 stormed the Mjambere Ward Administrator’s office submitting a formal request demanding immediate repair and maintenance of dozens of non-functional streetlights across the ward.

Their plea comes just days after an elderly man was hacked to death by a machete-wielding gang that robbed him of his belongings in the Mjambere area.

The most affected zones, residents say, include Kadongo, Kwa Hero and surrounding neighbourhoods which plunge into total darkness after dusk.

“We are living in fear, especially when it gets dark. Sections of Mjambere have no functioning streetlights, giving criminal gangs the perfect environment to terrorize unsuspecting residents. This must stop,” said Mwinyi Mwichanzi, one of the residents.

The residents were accompanied by Ajenda Kenya, a youth-led organisation advocating for good governance and community development. They noted that the lack of lighting has worsened insecurity and made night-time movement dangerous for both pedestrians and motorists.

In a letter signed by the organisation’s executive director Otieno Obiero, Ajenda Kenya expressed deep concern over the unsafe conditions along Hongera Road to Kadongo Road and from Hongera Junction to White House — areas where streetlights have remained broken for months.

Vivian Akoth, a resident and small-scale trader, said women are among the most affected. “You can no longer walk at night. Businesses close as early as 7 p.m. because of the darkness. Even motorbike operators fear working in the area since criminals have taken advantage of the situation.”

Ajenda Kenya is calling for urgent intervention by county infrastructure departments to restore lighting, saying functional streetlights are essential for community safety, economic activity, and sustainable development.

“The appeal is part of Ajenda Kenya’s broader efforts in governance, leadership, climate justice, and sexual and reproductive health advocacy, all aimed at improving service delivery within the ward,” said Obiero.

Responding to the concerns, Mjambere Ward Administrator Hezron Katana confirmed that at least 76 streetlights are currently at the procurement stage under the County Department of Transport assuring the residents that the county was committed to securing the area.