[PHOTOS] Sakaja unveils new-look Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi CBD upgrade

A collage shows the before-and-after look of the new Haile Selassie Avenue. /HANDOUT

Haile Selassie Avenue has undergone a major facelift in the latest phase of Nairobi’s Central Business District restoration programme, with City Hall promising more upgrades across the capital.

The once dusty and congested stretch has now been transformed with black and cream tiled walkways, offering a cleaner and more accessible route for thousands of traders, commuters and residents using the busy corridor daily.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said the revamped avenue is expected to ease movement for people accessing key areas such as Wakulima Market, the Easy Coach stage and offices located along the route.

“The once dusty Haile Selassie Avenue has now taken on a new look with black and cream tile furnishing, making movement easier for people accessing Wakulima Market, Easy Coach stage and offices along the avenue,” said Sakaja.

A collage shows the before-and-after look of the new Haile Selassie Avenue. /HANDOUT

The governor said the project forms part of an ongoing CBD walkways restoration programme aimed at modernising Nairobi and improving pedestrian experience within the city centre.

A collage shows the before-and-after look of the new Haile Selassie Avenue. /HANDOUT

According to Sakaja, similar upgrades are already underway in other parts of the CBD, including the Ambassador area, Taifa Lane and around the National Archives.

“This is part of the ongoing CBD walkways restoration programme that we have been undertaking, with more areas currently being upgraded, including the Ambassador area, Taifa Lane and the National Archives area,” he said.

The county government is also planning to extend the facelift to more sections of the city, with Kimathi Street and Moi Avenue among the next targets for renovation.

The new Haile Selassie Avenue /HANDOUT

Sakaja said improved street lighting would also be included in the developments as part of efforts to enhance safety and accessibility in the capital.

“The new Haile Selassie Avenue has eased movement, and plans are underway to continue walkway restoration from Kimathi Street to Nation Centre and along Moi Avenue up to Central Police Station. We are doing this to make Nairobi a better place for all,” he added.

The county government says the wider initiative is aimed at creating a cleaner, safer and more accessible city while improving the overall experience for both residents and visitors in Nairobi.