Nairobi is undergoing a major facelift under the Nairobi County Urban Renewal and Regeneration Programme, a joint initiative of the National and County Governments.
In a statement on Wednesday, August 26, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the ongoing projects were part of efforts to ensure the city remained safe and accessible.
"Nairobi became Kenya's official Capital in 1907 under British rule and retained that status at independence in 1963.
"Since then, the City has undergone profound transformation. We must now reimagine Nairobi as a modern, safe and functional Capital that serves Kenya today and into the future; Beyond Vision 2030," the statement read.
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According to Omollo, the urban renewal programme is delivering improvements to roads, pedestrian infrastructure and public amenities, alongside a major investment in smart street lighting across the capital.
"Roads and pavements are being improved, walkways upgraded, dustbins and decorative walls installed, while the Smart Street Lighting Project is adding more than 40,000 automated LED fixtures capable of reporting faults in real time," the statement added.
Omollo said the impact of the projects was already becoming visible in different parts of Nairobi, with works extending beyond the Central Business District to roads serving various wards.
"The work is already visible across the Central Business District (CBD) and feeder roads in various wards, creating a cleaner, more accessible and pedestrian-friendly city," the statement further read.
Omollo said the programme is also addressing drainage challenges in areas that have historically experienced flooding during heavy rains, with works targeting several key roads and junctions.
"Drainage is also being improved along 19 flood-prone roads, including the Mombasa Road–Bunyala Junction corridor and Globe Roundabout, to improve storm-water flow and reduce perennial flooding," the statement noted.
Omollo said the improvements are also expected to support Nairobi's commercial activities by creating a safer and more efficient environment for businesses, workers and residents operating beyond conventional daytime hours.
"A better urban environment will strengthen the 24-hour economy by making it easier and safer for people to work, trade and move around the city at all hours.
"In turn, this enhances investor confidence, supports businesses and creates an enabling environment for new investment, jobs and enterprise," the statement concluded.
Elsewhere, Kamukunji Historical Grounds in Nairobi have been transformed into a modern public space featuring sports, recreational, environmental and community facilities.
In a statement, Omollo said the redevelopment preserves the historical significance of the grounds while creating a facility that can serve the community.
"History shapes the future by preserving the lessons, struggles and aspirations that define a nation.
Omollo said the restoration of the grounds would ensure that their historical importance remains relevant as Kenya looks towards its future beyond Vision 2030.
"As we stride on towards our future, Beyond Vision 2030, the restoration of this landmark ensures that the memories that shaped the nation remain part of the conversations shaping its tomorrow," he added.
Omollo said the historic grounds had undergone a complete transformation under the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project, creating a public space that brings together heritage, recreation, environmental restoration and community life.
"The historic grounds have now been completely transformed through the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project into a vibrant public space where heritage, recreation, environmental restoration and community life converge," he further said.
The upgraded facility features an 11-a-side football pitch, seven-a-side and multipurpose fields, basketball courts and a boxing ring.
It also includes children's play areas, safe walkways, improved sanitation facilities and a mental health corner.
According to Omollo, the redevelopment has also incorporated facilities intended to support learning, social interaction and indoor recreation, expanding the grounds beyond their traditional role as a sporting and historical site.
"The transformation extends beyond sport and recreation. A resource centre with a library, social hall and digital museum now complements an indoor gym, changing rooms and an amphitheatre equipped with an outdoor gym, gazebos and a tree nursery," he concluded.
