Road upgrades in Nico Bar Crecent in Nairobi's Pangani Ward, Starehe subcounty. /CITY HAL
Nairobi’s road network is receiving a facelift as the Ward Development Programme steps up rehabilitation works in key residential and commercial areas across the city.
The programme’s latest inspection tour covered Starehe, Kasarani and Roysambu subcounties, where ongoing projects are expected to ease movement and improve daily life for thousands of residents.
Speaking during the visit, Eng Eston Kimathi, CEO of the Ward Development Programme (WDP), underscored the direct impact of the initiative.
“This second tour confirms that our work is not only on course but also making a direct impact on people’s daily lives. We are building roads to improve last mile connectivity and improve access to markets and schools,” he said.
The tour highlighted progress in several high-density neighbourhoods.
In Ziwani Kariokor Ward, the upgrade of Gikomba/Hardware Road is expected to ease access to one of Nairobi’s busiest open-air markets.
Gikomba Hardware road in Ziwani Kariokor Ward, Starehe Subcounty. /CITY HALL
Traders who rely on the market for their livelihoods are set to benefit from smoother movement of goods and customers, cutting the delays and inconveniences long associated with poor road conditions.
In Pangani Ward, work is ongoing at Nico Bar Crescent and Wanjas Lane.
Once completed, the improved road surfaces are expected to boost pedestrian and vehicular flow, enhancing connectivity within the neighbourhood.
Further north in Kasarani Ward, SDA Chieko Road is being rehabilitated to improve access to residential areas and nearby institutions.
Residents and local organisations stand to gain from better road conditions that will make every day commutes easier and more reliable.
In Zimmerman Ward, two critical roads—Kiarunda and Village Inn—are also undergoing rehabilitation.
Kirunda and Village Inn roads in Zimmerman Ward, Roysambu subcounty. /CITY HALL
The projects are particularly significant for Roysambu subcounty, one of Nairobi’s most densely populated areas.
Improved access is expected to reduce transport challenges that have long hindered mobility and business activities.
Eng Kimathi noted that WDP’s approach is anchored in accountability and visible delivery.
The inspection tour, he said, was part of continuous oversight to ensure that road projects meet quality standards and deliver tangible benefits to the communities they serve.
“These developments reflect Governor Sakaja’s commitment to equitable infrastructure development across Nairobi,” he added.
“They also restore dignity to every Nairobian by ensuring that their last or first mile journey is comfortable.”
Wanjas Lane, Pangani ward, Starehe subcounty. /CITY HALL
The roadworks come as part of a broader push under Sakaja's city rehabilitation agenda to ensure that services reach all wards fairly.
By improving access to markets, schools and homes, the initiative seeks to transform everyday life in estates and commercial hubs that have long grappled with poor road conditions, which become hard to navigate especially when it rains.
For many Nairobi residents who have had to contend with hop, step and jump as a strategy to avoid stepping into potholes, the new roads symbolise a step toward a more organised and inclusive city where essential infrastructure supports both economic activity and community wellbeing.
As the upgrades continue across different wards, the Ward Development Programme has pledged to maintain its oversight role to ensure the projects stay on track, meet required standards and deliver lasting change
