Nairobi Tears Down Public Toilets Near National Archives

The Nairobi City County government has demolished the public toilets located near the Kenya National Archives, a move that has disrupted sanitation services for thousands of commuters.

Demolition squads arrived at the site on Tom Mboya Street under heavy security, dismantling the structure that has served as a primary facility for the busy central bus terminus for decades.

County officials stated the decision followed a security assessment, which identified the facility as a potential hideout for criminal elements. The narrow corridors and the aging layout of the block were flagged as high-risk areas during late-evening hours.

Patrick Analo, the Nairobi County acting Chief Officer for Urban Development, confirmed that the move is part of a broader strategy to modernize city infrastructure. He noted that the old facility was no longer fit for purpose, given the current population density in the area.

Safety concerns were not the only driver for the demolition. The county government indicated that the proximity of the facility to the National Archives, a gazetted national monument, required a more aesthetic and sanitary solution that aligns with the city’s beautification project.

Commuters and small-scale traders who operate near the Archives have expressed concern over the sudden loss of the facility. The site was one of the most frequently used public toilets in the Central Business District due to its location near several major bus stations.

To mitigate the shortage, the county has directed the public to alternative facilities located at Kencom and the nearby fire station. However, users have reported that these existing blocks are already stretched beyond their intended capacity.

The administration plans to replace the demolished structure with a modern, eco-friendly facility that incorporates better lighting and open-plan designs to discourage criminal activity. This new design will mirror the standards seen in the recently renovated facilities at the Green Park Terminal.

Contractors are expected to begin ground preparation in the coming weeks. The new project will be managed under a public-private partnership model, which the county has increasingly used to maintain sanitation standards across the city.

This demolition comes amid a wider crackdown on illegal structures and poorly maintained public amenities within the CBD. City Hall has maintained that while the temporary inconvenience is regrettable, the long-term safety of residents remains the priority.

Architectural plans for the replacement facility are currently being finalized. The county has not yet released a specific completion date, but officials suggest that the procurement process for the new construction is being fast-tracked to restore services.