This archive report was first published on 4 July 2020.
Nairobi Streets Get a Facelift Under NMS ¶
July 4, 2020
The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has been working to improve Nairobi's streets, with a focus on the Central Business District (CBD). As part of its 100-day plan, the NMS has made significant progress in rehabilitating several roads in the CBD.
One of the notable improvements is the conversion of parking spots to bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways on Kenyatta Avenue and Wabera Street. The pedestrian and bicycle lanes along Kenyatta Avenue have been a welcome addition to the city's infrastructure.
Other notable improvements include the tracks along Moi Avenue, past Serena Hotel at the Integrity Centre junction, and the Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) plan, which includes a track from Muindi Mbingu Street extending from City Hall to University Way and the roundabout at the University of Nairobi.
With Ksh28 Billion pumped into the agency, the retouch on some roads has seen recarpeting of City Hall Way round-about together with Kirinyaga Road using an asphalt concrete overlay.
Repainting on the pavement has also given new life to the dilapidated road structures, making them visually appealing.
According to NMS Transport, Roads and Public Works director Michael Ochieng', the project aims to change the face of the CBD and encourage residents to walk or use bicycles.
“The journey to change the state of roads in the city centre has begun. We target more than 100 kilometres of non-motorised transport in just one year,” Ochieng stated.
As part of the ongoing efforts, the NMS is set to introduce hourly parking for city motorists, as opposed to the current daily system, following a directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta. Facilities at Sunken Car Park, the law courts, Desai Road, and Machakos Bus Station have already been automated following the order.
The NMS is also constructing termini and parking areas for public service vehicles on Waiyaki Way, Mombasa Road, Thika Road, and Lang'ata Road to ease traffic flow into the Nairobi CBD.
