Nakuru, Kenya’s newest city, rolls out grand facelift plans 

Authorities in Nakuru have embarked on an ambitious plan to redesign the country’s newest city.

The master plan that seeks to improve the city’s face will see street lights installed, CCTV and pollution sensors installed, pedestrian walkways built and informal dwellings upgraded, among other developments.

Already, the county has allocated Sh80.7 million to building of pedestrian walkways within the central business district (CBD) in its non-motorised transport programme. 

The first phase of the 750-metre stretch along Kenyatta Avenue, will be done in seven months running from Shik Park building to KCB Bank on both sides, then to Moi Road up to Oginga Odinga lane next to the county headquarters. Phase two will commence from KCB to Westside Mall and then link to Oginga Odinga road.

Nakuru Deputy Governor Erick Korir revealed that there will also be a 1.5 metre green space along the road.

Enhanced security for residents

“We want to introduce pedestrian walkways starting with the CBD. They’ll be extended to other areas. They’ll not only offer safety to pedestrians, but also contribute to decongestion of the roads,” Dr Korir said.

The non-motorised programme is part of the Kenya Urban Support Programme supported by the World Bank.  

To enhance security for city residents , CCTV and air pollution sensors will be installed on key roads, especially within the CBD.

“The elevation of Nakuru to city status means Nakuru residents will get better services. My administration is expected to improve the planning of the town, streamline garbage disposal, address the housing challenge, street lighting, roads and infrastructure, traffic jams, eco-friendly amenities among other things key to city status,” Governor Lee Kinyanjui said.

The administration, together with development partners, have rolled out plans to upgrade the town’s informal settlement areas.

Beautification project

“We laud the World Bank for the programme, which will have a major transformative impact on informal settlements. The initiative... will also target improvement of drainage infrastructure, waste management, improvement of roads in [high density areas] and installation of lights,” he said.

Informal settlements targeted include Kaptembwo — the biggest in Nakuru town — with more than 100,000 residents. Others include Kivumbini, Lake View, Kwa Rhonda, Kaptembwo, Flamingo, Kaloleni and Bondeni.

The administration has directed building owners to upgrade and repaint them to as part of the ongoing maintenance and beautification project. 

The directive could also see faces of structures, especially within the CBD, revamped to pave the way to modern buildings.

Nakuru became a city on December 1, joining Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu.