Sakaja urges Nairobi residents to protect new CBD walkways
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Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has urged residents to protect newly improved walkways in the Central Business District (CBD), warning that illegal dumping and misuse of pedestrian spaces could undermine the county’s investment in urban infrastructure.
Sakaja said the county was investing in cabro-paved walkways and street lighting to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and the appearance of public spaces.
He noted that Nairobi’s CBD attracts an estimated seven million people during the day, making well-maintained pedestrian infrastructure essential for residents, workers and visitors.
“We have invested heavily in walkways and non-motorised transport. Every city with high levels of tourism has walkability. People need to walk in a better environment,” the governor said.
Sakaja said the county had set aside funds for maintenance and deployed Green Army teams to clean public spaces, but added that residents also had a responsibility to ensure the facilities remained in good condition.
“We have a maintenance budget, and we have teams from the Green Army who clean. It is about all of us joining hands and supporting the maintenance of these walkways,” he said.
The governor cautioned against using pedestrian paths for activities that could compromise their intended purpose, particularly cycling, insisting that the walkways were designed to provide dedicated space for pedestrians.
“Let us not misuse them. No bikes on the walkways. They are for our people to walk, and we must take responsibility for them,” Sakaja said.
He also called on residents to stop dumping waste in public spaces, warning that irresponsible disposal of rubbish could compromise efforts to improve the city’s environment.
The county is complementing the walkway improvements with street lighting intended to make pedestrian movement more convenient, including during evening hours.
“Our vision is to make sure every corner of the city is covered. Let us stop dumping in these places; they are beautiful. Walk at 6pm and see people walking, with lighting that is now following the cabro. It will cover Nairobi,” he said.
Sakaja said the county intended to extend quality pedestrian infrastructure across the city, citing improvements along key routes, including the corridor from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport towards ABC Place in Westlands.
He also invited private companies and other partners to collaborate with the county government in maintaining public infrastructure, saying joint efforts would help preserve the improvements.
“We welcome partnerships with people and corporations so that we can work together to maintain public places,” he said.
The initiative forms part of Nairobi County’s broader urban renewal efforts, which include improving walkways, drainage and lighting to make public spaces safer, cleaner and more accessible.
The governor’s appeal comes as the county seeks to encourage walking as a more convenient mode of movement while ensuring that investments in pedestrian infrastructure are sustained through proper maintenance and responsible public use.
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