Nairobi's lion statues, once the subject of public ridicule, have transformed into a major attraction following a recent overhaul. The replacement of the original sculptures at the Waiyaki Way-Univesity Way roundabout has sparked renewed interest from residents and international visitors alike.
Initial backlash against the first set of statues led to their swift replacement with more realistic models, which have since drawn praise for their quality. A German tourist visiting the site described the new installation as "impressive" and shared photographs on social media, highlighting the shift in public perception.
The city's beautification initiative, launched in 2018, includes landscaping projects and public art installations. City officials acknowledged earlier concerns about the original statues, with Nairobi Beautification Programme Director Joab Ogolla stating that "a bit of touch up" was needed to meet standards.
County Government officials emphasized the project's broader goals. Allan Igambi, CEC for tourism and trade, noted that Nairobi's transformation would position the city as an international tourist destination. "Kenyans should expect a new Nairobi city different from the Nairobi of 2017," he said, referencing the pre-beautification era.
The updated statues have become a focal point for both locals and visitors. Igambi encouraged residents to document the changes, stating that the improvements would attract more investors and boost trade activities. "We will have more investors in our county once the city becomes more attractive," he added.
