Changing face of Nairobi's downtown as investors splash billions on new skyscrapers

 Skyscrapper buildings along Wayaki Way, Westlands.[File,Standard]

At the junction of Kenneth Matiba, formerly Accra Road and River Road in Nairobi’s city centre, stands a 69-year-old building.

It is only two floors up, and probably because it is that old and has stood the test of time, there is no name in front, but it is fully occupied by all kinds of businesses, ranging from those selling electronics, farm tools and other equipment.

On the same line but along Latema Road, another building with similar features was recently brought down to pave the way for the construction of a modern business tower at the busy intersection.

According to the details on the site, the upcoming tower will shoot up ten floors at the famous River Road-Latema intersection.

Luthuli area

A few metres from the junction of Luthuli Avenue and River Road stands another regular building with rusty iron sheets acting as a roof.

From fading words in front of it, the building was constructed in 1934; the shop is among those lining up one side of River Road, where assorted items are sold, including ex-UK items like kitchenware.

Just adjacent to it is a towering building that runs up to 14 floors; it is about to be completed, and already its height is making the old buildings look like village shops.

The multimillion-shilling tower has some sparkling lighting, which makes it eye-catching at night, brightening the skyline of River Road at night to resemble that of Upper Hill.

This is the same look along Ronald Ngala Streets and some areas in Nairobi's downtown area. The modern skyscrapers are changing the city's downtown skyline, which was synonymous with old buildings.

Another one, dubbed the wholesale building, has completely changed the look of OTC; its design and look stand out along Racecourse Road.

Since it was unveiled after many years of putting the final touches, the new building instantly became a landmark for many around OTC.

As the new transformation takes shape, experts argue that while some plot owners are getting irresistible offers from new investors, the identity of the city’s downtown is changing.

Alex Moseti, a property valuer, argues that compared to other parts of the city, lands in Nairobi’s downtown areas are still affordable, thus attracting new investors.

“We are witnessing that kind of development because plots or lands in downtown areas are still affordable compared to developed areas in the city like Upperhill and other places,” he said

Moseti agrees that while the transformation gives the city a new face, the towers that are shooting up on River Road and downtown areas are raking in more compared to the old, two floors building that have been there for ages.

“Most of the buildings that have been there before did not even have lifts, but the upcoming ones that have more spaces give more proceeds to the investors,” he explained.

“That was the same case in places like Eastleigh. Before, most of the buildings were old, but of late, there is a total transformation; modern buildings are taking over,” Moseti added.

Martin Kibe, another valuer, says plots and commercial properties on River Road in the Nairobi CBD are highly valued, typically selling for between Sh90 million and Sh 165 million.

He says many of those who acquired the properties in the early 1980’s for a low Sh30 million are now being approached by aggressive investors with offers going up to Sh300 million for 50 by 100 plots.

“If you walk around River Road and Kirinyaga Road at night, you will realise the kind of development that has taken place in a span of ten years,” Kibe said

“Most of the investors eyeing properties in Nairobi’s downtown come with ready cash, some of them pay one off, demolish old buildings and start construction immediately, some of the modern buildings take less than one year to complete.”

Kibe says sometimes, back in Nairobi’s downtown literally scared off potential investors. Many closed down their businesses, while the few businesses that remained operated at a loss or with minimal profits.

River Road, at that time, was regarded as one of the most insecure parts of the city, with daylight muggings and burglaries being the order of the day.

“The situation has changed; this kind of development has kicked out some businesses that were not suitable for a city, in face security has also improved,” he added.

Control policy

Under the Nairobi City County Development Control policy that was made public last year, the county will allow developers to go up to 75 floors. Such areas include Upper Hill, Uhuru Highway, Tom Mboya, Haile Selassie, and University Way.

In Kariokor, Mlango Kubwa, and Eastleigh, commercial and residential houses will not go up beyond 25 storeys.

The number of floors in Riverside, Parklands and Ngara West will be 20, while in Muthangari, Kileleshwa and Kilimani they will be set at 15.

According to the draft, buildings in Umoja, Kayole and Komarock will be allowed to go up to eight levels, while Mathare, Dandora and Korogocho areas will have five floors.

Karen, Gigiri, Runda, Kitisuru, Nyari, Muthaiga and Rosyln Estate, areas considered to be home to the rich, have been classified under single dwellings.

This means a building with one or more rooms designed for residential living purposes by one household that is disconnected from any other unit.

Face Value

Town planner Frank Ogutu argues that the changing face of River Road and the downtown area at large is an indicator that the town is growing, and a facelift is worth embracing.

He explains that it is also good to get rid of the old structures which were constructed about a hundred years ago to pave the way for modern structures.

The expert believes that while the new look is good for the face value, it will also boost the returns for traders who will take advantage of the area.

At the same time, he says new developments signify that the economy is doing well.

He, however, observes that the county should come so as to lay down some guidelines about the new developments.

"That way, the developers will ensure that the new buildings will have enough surfaces, and the developers should ensure that such buildings have proper sewerage systems and even power," he explained.

Pointing out," Since such places will have high traffic of people, old and narrow streets should be expanded,"

With crowds, security becomes another challenge. Thus, Ogutu says that, unlike the old downtown, security should be improved so as to make the area attractive for serious investors and traders.

"While putting up such skyscrapers, it should also be ensured that they have underground parking or some floors reserved for customers."

Ogutu says some buildings in town are monumental and have a good history for the city. Thus, they should be well looked after.