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.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Creatives & Coins Podcast
A podcast that dives deep into the vibrant and rapidly evolving digital creative economy in Kenya. This show explores the lives, challenges, and triumphs of individuals who are successfully navigating the gig and creative economies. From digital artists and content creators to freelance writers and tech entrepreneurs, we spotlight the voices that are shaping the future of work in Kenya.
Documentaries
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Fixing The Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar. Podcast created by: Nation FM
Fixing the Nation
Fixing the Nation is a bold and groundbreaking show that will take an unflinching look at challenges facing the Kenyan society and the solutions that can move us forward. It is anchored by respected journalists Eric Lattif, Janet Mbugua, and Mariam Bishar
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Primetime
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.