Nairobi's CBD makeover: new walkways, the streets being upgraded, and the court case
New paving, recarpeted roads and street lights are changing how the city centre looks. Here is which streets are done, which are next, who is behind it, and why it is being challenged in court.
Walk through Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) and you will see crews laying new paving blocks, often at night. It is part of a programme to make the city centre easier and safer to walk, run jointly by Nairobi County and the national government.
What is being done
- New walkways. Cracked concrete slabs are being replaced with interlocking cabro blocks and tiles, and pavements widened.
- Roads. Some CBD roads have been recarpeted.
- Street lighting. New lights are being installed to improve safety at night.
- Trees protected. Timber barriers protect mature trees during works.
Street by street
| Status | Streets and areas |
|---|---|
| Done | Haile Selassie Avenue (black and cream tiled walkways, unveiled in May 2026) |
| Under way (mid-2026) | Mama Ngina Street, Kaunda Street, Standard Street, parts of Moi Avenue, Taifa Lane, the Ambassador and National Archives areas, Kencom |
| Planned | Kimathi Street to Nation Centre, and Moi Avenue up to Central Police Station |
President William Ruto and Governor Johnson Sakaja inspected the works at night on 9 May 2026, saying they are meant to "improve mobility, safety and the overall environment for businesses and residents".
Who is paying, and how much?
The works fall under a cooperation agreement between the national government and Nairobi County, overseen by a joint steering committee. The total cost has not been published, and contractors have not been publicly named in the reports we reviewed.
The court case
The complaints
- Business disruption. Traders and small operators report dust and restricted movement while works are under way.
- Drainage. Some residents argue that paving more ground without better drains can make flooding worse.
- Left out. Critics point to potholes, garbage and areas such as Kirinyaga Road and Muthurwa and Marikiti markets that have not seen the same attention.
- Keeping it clean. Waste dumping and hawkers moving onto widened walkways are ongoing problems.
Why it matters
Most people in Nairobi's centre move on foot. Better walkways and lighting can make streets safer and help businesses. Whether the upgrade lasts depends on maintenance, drainage and enforcement, and on whether the spending is open to public scrutiny.
Related: El Niño and flooding in Nairobi.
Sources
- In pictures: Ruto, Sakaja inspect Nairobi CBD overhaul, The Standard (10 May 2026)
- Sakaja unveils new-look Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi CBD upgrade, The Star (25 May 2026)
- Nairobi pedestrian infrastructure upgrades advance across the CBD, Mjengo Hub
- City Hall faces court challenge over ongoing CBD road and walkway works, Capital FM
