Newlook Aga Khan Walk attracting Nairobians, but many want shaded spots

The improved stretch now offers alternative rest points to residents who have had to gamble for space at the Kenya National Archives public rest spot – next to Tom Mboya Statue – or at the 'frustration square' – a famous public rest area sandwiched between Moi Avenue and Hilton building.  

Residents and other visitors to the capital will no longer scratch their heads – in between their hustles – in search of a suitable public spot to rest.  

Many who spoke to Wananchi Reporting said they could count in one hand alone the number of public rest points in Nairobi, a capital with a population of over four million.

A few people would often pound the ground for nearly 20 minutes to reach Uhuru park – which just until recently had been closed for renovations.

The Aga Khan Walk stretch begins at the Haile Selassie Avenue – next to the Co-operative Bank building – and runs adjacent to Electricity House –  cutting between Uchumi House and Reinsurance Plaza before emptying onto City Hall Way – next to Kencom House.

The renovated stretch has properly done walkways, giant flower pots, dustbin areas – and expansive sitting areas.

The stretch also has a stairway just around Uchumi House – done to make human movement and transitions between different terrains smooth.

The vegetation is green – and trimmed to the right size.

The renovations which cover part of the Haile Selassie Avenue, were done to improve pedestrian safety, comfort and convenience.

“As a resident of Nairobi I am happy that the stretch has been renovated to make it look modern. The only thing I want them to add are shades to shield people from the rain and scorching sun,” Timothy Karanja told Wananchi Reporting.

Unemployed Kenyans who often come to the CBD to look for jobs are some of the immediate beneficiaries.

“I love the fact that I can have a decent resting area in the middle of the capital. Initially, I would sit at the area near National Archives, but which was often crowded and is exposed to a lot of sun,” said Ruth who has been job-hunting in Nairobi for seven months.

“Of course we need jobs more than we need resting areas in Nairobi,” she says with a smile.

Others who spoke to Wananchi Reporting said they want future renovations to also consider including shades to shield people from getting drenched during rains.

The renovations were done by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) in partnership with Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS).