Nairobi CBD facelift gathers pace three years into Sakaja’s term

Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) is undergoing a series of transformations, including the installation of cabro blocks, new lighting along Victoria Street and upgrades to walkways and backstreet lanes—changes being implemented nearly three years after Governor Johnson Sakaja took office.

The improvements come just months after the country marked the first anniversary of the Gen Z demonstrations, which left parts of the capital extensively damaged.

The Mobility and Work Executive​ Ibrahim Auma Nyangoya said the changes are being implemented by the Nairobi County Government in collaboration with the national government to improve the city’s status and restore order and dignity.

Explaining why the projects are coming years into Governor Sakaja’s tenure, Mr Nyangoya told Nation that the delay was due to the need to develop proper policies and long-term solutions for the city.

“You cannot begin implementing something that is not well planned. We first had to develop the building blocks for infrastructure development—policies, frameworks and ways of enriching what already exists—so that it speaks to Nairobi, not just the Nairobi of 2027, but up to 2050,” he said.

The official noted that Nairobi’s status as a capital city should be comparable to global cities such as Johannesburg, Paris, and Washington, which he said have benefited from structured and well-organised development frameworks—an approach the county is now pursuing.

According to the county government, the planning phase took time to ensure public funds are used efficiently and to avoid future demolitions of projects, as has occurred in the past.

Mr Nyangoya said the transformation began in the CBD in response to rising pedestrian fatalities caused by competition for limited street space between motorists and pedestrians.

The changes prioritise non-motorised transport (NMT), with the construction of clearly marked walking and cycling paths, physical separation from vehicles, safe crossings, improved lighting and better visibility.

“The lower CBD was looking like a war zone. We had to create pedestrian-only areas where people can walk without coming into contact with motorists,” he said.

He added that walkways from the Archives area along Tom Mboya Avenue to the Railway area have been expanded, creating more space for pedestrians.

“We are expanding the corridors and have begun the procurement process to link pedestrian walkways from Aga Khan Walk and City Hall through Kimathi Street all the way to Nation Centre. We want to give pedestrians free access,” he said.

The county is also planning to expand the Archives area to create a public square where residents and visitors can relax and enjoy the city’s ambience.

Mr Nyangoya acknowledged that the recent Gen Z demonstrations resulted in extensive destruction of public infrastructure, leaving the county with significant losses and ongoing restoration challenges.

“It is their right to demonstrate, but is it their right to destroy public property? The damage has set us back, and some of the infrastructure—such as traffic lights—still requires substantial funding to restore,” he said.

He added that guardrails, street signage, cabro blocks, and other infrastructure were vandalised during the protests.

The county said the improvements will eventually extend to residential estates and major roads in collaboration with the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, which is providing technical infrastructure support.

“The ongoing transformation in the CBD will, in the long term, be replicated in estates as the county has already embarked on developing a Non-Motorised Transport master plan in partnership with UN-Habitat. The master plan covers the entire county and will enable us to plan and mobilise the resources needed to undertake these works,” Mr Nyangoya said.

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