The public toilets adjacent to the National Archives in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) were demolished overnight, signaling the start of a city center facelift.
The move is part of broader efforts by Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja to modernize the CBD and mitigate flooding amid intensifying heavy rains.
Residents and commuters in the area will use alternative facilities at Aga Khan Walkway or the Old Bus Station. Among the affected traders are shoe-shiners and vendors who had set up stalls in the vicinity of the public toilets located at one of Nairobi’s major landmarks.
For the past two months, Nairobi County has been working on a facelift project at the archives area, including new pavement, installation of chandelier lights, and preparation of spaces for landscaping.
Sakaja Orders Demolitions Across Nairobi
The demolition came after Johnson Sakaja announced the launch of a major operation to demolish illegal structures along riverbanks and restore natural waterways as part of flood mitigation plans.
The operation includes dismantling structures that have constricted waterways, including sections where rivers have been reduced to narrow culverts incapable of handling heavy flows.
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Speaking during the inspection and demolition exercise in Westlands, Sakaja confirmed that the exercise had begun following the submission of a 48-hour action report by the Infrastructure Subcommittee.
“The directive was clear within 48 hours; we needed a concrete action plan to address flooding. I have received that report, and implementation is now underway,” said Sakaja
Heavy machinery has already been deployed along key river sections to clear debris, dredge waterways, and remove illegal developments that have obstructed natural drainage.
Sakaja warned that all structures built along waterways will be removed without exception, urging residents and developers to vacate voluntarily ahead of enforcement.
Key areas for demolition include Kirichwa in Kilimani, parts of Westlands, sections of the central business district, and downstream zones along the Nairobi River.
Nairobi Undergoes Urban Facelift Ahead of AFCON 2027
Nairobi is undergoing major urban renovations focusing on infrastructure, public spaces, and landmark upgrades.
According to Sakaja, these demolitions and restorations are part of a broader effort to revamp Nairobi’s infrastructure, including landmark upgrades across the CBD and in communities such as Kamukunji.
The Key projects include the 60,000-seat Talanta Hela Stadium, extensive renovations to State House, the 120-metre Junction Mall flyover, and Kamukunji community facelifts, all aimed at modernizing the city for the AFCON 2027 tournament.
According to Site Engineer Ismael Muchiri, the long-awaited facelift of Kamukunji, part of the broader Nairobi River Regeneration and Engineering Works Programme, is nearing completion.
Also Read: Sakaja Orders Demolitions Across Nairobi
He noted that the social hall, or community centre, is about 70 per cent complete, with painting, greasing, and gutter works remaining.
The changing room, delayed by public requests for a boxing ring, is 60 per cent complete, while civil works are at 50 per cent.
Ismael noted that five high electric masts have been installed, and the community park across the road is 40 per cent complete.
The project, launched last year by President William Ruto, forms part of the KSh50 billion Nairobi River Regeneration Programme.
Elsewhere, the construction of the Ngong -Naivasha-Kingara Road flyover is 20% complete, aiming to alleviate traffic, with completion expected by July 2027.
