Village Market owners are charging drivers to use a road in Runda, turning heads and stirring up anger among locals who see it as overreach on what many thought was public access.
A video posted by blogger Cyprian Nyakundi on X shows a long line of cars stopped on a dirt road under clear skies, with people in high-visibility vests collecting money from drivers.
The clip captures workers at a makeshift barrier demanding payment before letting vehicles through. Local blogger Cyprian Nyakundi called out the owners – described as a rich Indian family – for turning the stretch into a pay-to-pass zone in the upscale Nairobi suburb.
Runda residents and online commentators wasted no time venting frustration. Many point fingers at what they call entitlement from foreign business owners who snap up land and then slap fees on everyday paths.
One reply from user Dexter Brian demanded stricter immigration rules, saying Hindu communities in Kenya have too much control and should face deportation for breaking laws.
Another, from Michael Mulongo Sikuku Namunyu, blasted the government for tolerating it, asking where the roads minister stands on a “public road” now treated like private property.
The road in question runs near Village Market, a popular shopping spot in Gigiri that draws crowds for its stores, eateries, and events. Built by the Shah family decades ago – Kenyan Indians with deep roots in real estate – the mall has grown into a landmark.
But this latest move has people questioning if expansions or ownership claims now spill over to nearby routes. Drivers in the video fork over cash – amounts not specified but enough to cause backups – while others argue or turn around.
Not everyone piles on the criticism. A few voices online suggest the road might actually belong to the mall owners if they developed and maintained it. User Brian noted that private developers could have rights to charge but called for county officials to step in and clear up the confusion.
Still, the overwhelming reaction leans toward shock at seeing barriers pop up in a neighbourhood known for its gated estates and smooth drives.
This isn’t the first time land and access have sparked fights in Nairobi’s posh areas. Runda, with its big homes and green spaces, has seen disputes over fences blocking walkways or estates claiming extra turf.
Social media users like Maréchal Rochereau tagged others tracking “public roads turned private”, hinting this fits a pattern. Big Shareef joked about paying tolls to breathe next, while KAIWEN blamed Kenyans for letting foreigners dominate business, comparing it unfavourably to stricter rules in Ethiopia.
Village Market reps have stayed quiet so far, with no statement on their website or social pages addressing the claims. County government in Kiambu – which covers parts of Runda – hasn’t commented either, leaving drivers to wonder if the charges stick or get shut down.
Police presence isn’t visible in the video, but if complaints roll in, authorities might get involved to check if the setup breaks any by-laws.
For everyday folks in Nairobi, this hits a nerve amid rising costs everywhere. Paying extra just to drive a familiar route feels like another squeeze, especially when many already deal with tolls on highways like Thika Road.
The video shows SUVs and sedans idling in line, a mix of locals and visitors perhaps heading to shops or homes. One frame catches a worker lifting the yellow barrier after a payment, while groups chat on the sidelines.
Nyakundi’s post keeps gaining traction, with reposts and quotes amplifying the story. It taps into bigger talks about land ownership, foreign investment, and who really controls Kenya’s prime spots.
As more clips circulate – some adding their own takes from the scene – pressure builds for answers. Will the owners back down or defend it as their right? Locals hope for a quick resolution before the barrier becomes permanent.
In a city where traffic jams are daily battles, adding paid gates to side roads only adds fuel to the fire. Residents like those in the replies call for a “revolution” or at least a firm government hand to keep paths open. For now, the Runda road charge stands as a flashpoint, reminding everyone that even in fancy neighbourhoods, access comes at a price – sometimes literally.
