Sakaja’s Road Revolution: Nairobi’s Bold Push to Rebuild and Reconnect the City
Nairobi is undergoing one of its most ambitious urban transformations in decades as Governor Johnson Sakaja’s administration rolls out a sweeping road rehabilitation program aimed at easing congestion, improving accessibility, and revitalizing livelihoods. Partnering with the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), the Nairobi County Government is overseeing the construction and repair of over 50 kilometers of roads across industrial zones, estates, and suburbs. The initiative—part of a broader city regeneration plan—targets neglected roads, clogged drains, and unsafe walkways that have long frustrated motorists and pedestrians alike. Governor Sakaja says the bulk of the work will be completed before year-end, promising safer, cleaner and more efficient roads for every mwananchi.
The upgrades stretch from the Industrial Area and Eastleigh’s bustling trading corridors to quieter residential zones like Lavington, Kileleshwa, and Dagoreti. In Industrial Area, contractors are repairing Kitui Road and Road C, fixing drainage and laying new asphalt to improve cargo movement, while in Eastleigh, Hombe, Muinami and Quarry roads are being rebuilt to restore order in one of Nairobi’s busiest commercial hubs. Suburban areas such as Lavington and Garden Estate have seen early progress, with some sites reaching up to 25 percent completion. Meanwhile, in Embakasi East, the Sh204 million Mihango Bypass is under reconstruction—part of a broader push to ease traffic for thousands of daily commuters in Umoja, Fedha, and Komarock.
Beyond easing mobility, the road projects are expected to boost property values, attract investors, and enhance access to essential services like schools and hospitals. Residents have welcomed the initiative, though many remain cautiously optimistic after years of stalled or poorly executed works. Sakaja insists this time will be different, emphasizing accountability and collaboration between county and national agencies. Our suburbs deserve the same attention as the CBD, he said. With works already visible across Zimmerman, Kabete, Parklands, and Ridgeways, the county hopes to deliver a city where movement is seamless and growth equitable—a Nairobi where infrastructure fuels opportunity and every road leads to a better life.