What lies ahead for Nairobi after Resilient Cities nomination

An artistic impression of the Outering Road in Eastlands that was commissioned by the president yesterday. Developers say the road will change the look of the rather poor Eastlands. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

It is late afternoon on a Wednesday in late May. Clouds gather over Nairobi, painting the sky dark grey. In the capital’s central business district, you can almost feel the city’s famed fast pace take a pause.

Few look up to see the contrast between Nairobi’s tall buildings and the fast darkening sky. Even fewer, like this writer, whip out their phones for a quick picture to upload to Instagram later. There is no time for that immediately; once Nairobi sky darkens, it is time to leave the city centre as fast as you can.