The Nairobi County Assembly on Tuesday, February 23, passed a motion to rename Kapiti Crescent Road in South B after football legend Joe Kadenge.
The football legend lived in Mariakani estate, in South B until his death on July 7, 2019.
South B Ward Rep Waithera Chege, tabled the motion. She argued that renaming the road would be the best tribute the county government could do to honour Kadenge’s legacy.
“There is no better way to honour a man who was not only an icon to South B residents, but also to many Kenyans and was regarded as the finest footballer to ever grace the country’s football scene as evident in his valiant efforts in guiding Harambee Stars to win the inaugural East and Central Africa Challenge Cup,” Waithera stated.
The MCA added that renaming of roads and other public places after heroes and heroines bestows honour to them.
“The country has since independence named and renamed roads in honour of heroes and heroines who have contributed immensely to the development of the republic,” Waithera stated.
Some of the roads and public places named after heroes and heroines include Muindi Mbingu Street, Mama Ngina Street, Wabera Street, Koinange Street, Ronald Ngala Street, Mfangano Street and Jivanjee Gardens.
Stewart Street was renamed Muindi Mbingu Street in honour of freedom fighter Samuel Muindi Mbingu. Mama Ngina Street was renamed after Kenya’s First Lady, Ngina Kenyatta. Initially the street was known as Queens Way.
Dadasso Wabera was the first African Isiolo District Commissioner (DC). Wabera Street was renamed after him. Koinange Street was initially named Sadler Street, Ronald Ngala Street was named Duke Street and Mfangano Street was initially named Jivanjee Avenue.
Other MCAs supported the motion with MCA Doris Kanairo suggesting the formation of a committee that would be tasked with identifying legends in the eighty-five Nairobi County wards who have gone unnoticed and deserved to be honoured.
The Assembly Implementation Committee will now write to the County executive to inform them about the motion being passed. City Hall will within three months rename the road after the football legend or reject the whole proposal.
