Nairobi Assembly Intervenes in Sakaja CBD Cabro Paving Backlash

A dispute has erupted in the capital regarding the ongoing urban renewal efforts within the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD). Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) have stepped into the matter following complaints raised by local business owners and street vendors operating within the commercial core.

The grievances center on the execution of the pedestrian infrastructure upgrades initiated by Governor Johnson Sakaja. Small-scale traders and hawkers report that the extensive removal of existing surfaces and subsequent installation of concrete paving blocks have severely disrupted their daily operations.

The matter has officially escalated to the Nairobi County Assembly for review. Lawmakers are seeking clarification on the management of these public works, pointing to prolonged disruptions and accessibility challenges along heavily frequented pedestrian thoroughfares.

Contractors working across key zones have excavated several footpaths simultaneously, leaving mounds of material stacked on active walkways. The resulting physical barriers have restricted foot traffic and complicated access to storefronts, prompting calls from the assembly for better site coordination.

Traders contend that while long-term infrastructure improvements are necessary, the current phase has suffered from poor timing and minimal consultation. Many report lost revenue due to reduced foot traffic and temporary blockages outside their premises.

Urban planners note that non-motorised transport (NMT) projects require strict phasing to prevent economic paralysis in high-density zones. The county government, however, maintains that the upgrading of pavements and drainage systems is essential to modernise pedestrian flow and improve overall urban order within the downtown area.

Similar paving initiatives carried out by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) in other urban centers have faced comparable friction when execution overlaps with active trading zones. The assembly is expected to review the operational timelines and safety compliance of the current CBD works.