In pictures: Ruto, Sakaja inspect Nairobi CBD overhaul

President William Ruto, Majority leader Kimani Ichungwah and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja inspects infrastructure facelift in the City on May 9, 2026. [Courtesy]

President William Ruto on Saturday night led an inspection tour of ongoing roadworks and Non-Motorised Transport (NMT) projects within Nairobi’s Central Business District.

The inspection, which focused on Non-Motorised Transport projects, was also attended by Johnson Sakaja, Davis Chirchir and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah.

The leaders assessed progress on pedestrian walkways, street lighting installations and road rehabilitation projects aimed at easing movement, improving security and restoring Nairobi’s image as a regional commercial hub.

They toured several sections of the CBD where pedestrian walkways are being upgraded, roads recarpeted and lighting infrastructure installed.

According to government officials, the intervention is part of broader urban renewal plans targeting traffic congestion, poor walkability and deteriorating public infrastructure in the capital city.

“This cooperation between the National Government and Nairobi County seeks to improve mobility, safety and the overall environment for businesses and residents,” officials said during the inspection.

Nairobi has for years struggled with ageing roads, broken drainage systems, poor waste management and inadequate public lighting due to rapid urban population growth and overstretched infrastructure.

However, despite the inspection and ongoing upgrades, netizens criticised the state of the city, saying authorities were focusing on cosmetic improvements while deeper infrastructure problems remained unresolved.

“CBD roads are in a terrible state. Garbage is all over the place and streetlights are dead,” one resident commented online, while others pointed to neglected areas such as Kirinyaga Road, Marikiti Market and Muthurwa Market.

Residents also raised concerns about increased flooding in the city, blaming excessive paving and poor drainage planning.

“Once you cabro every surface, you must compute the amount of runoff water for the entire season and know where to channel it,” another user wrote, warning that over-concretisation was worsening flooding during rainy seasons.

A section of rehabilitated Moi Avenue, Nairobi during the night. [Courtesy]

Flooding has become a major challenge in Nairobi, especially during heavy rains, with experts attributing the problem to blocked drainage systems, encroachment on waterways and poor urban planning.

Critics further questioned the quality of some ongoing roadworks, with motorists complaining that potholes remain widespread across major roads within the CBD.

“What are you people inspecting? Roads are full of potholes that motorists have already memorised,” another resident posted.

Despite the criticism, the government maintains that the projects are part of long-term plans to transform Nairobi into a cleaner, more organised and economically competitive city capable of supporting growing business and population needs.