Nairobi mega projects on track as security tightened- Commissioner

The government has expressed satisfaction with the progress of major infrastructure projects in Nairobi, saying they are on schedule and expected to be completed within their stipulated timelines, with some likely to be delivered ahead of schedule.

Nairobi Regional Commissioner (RC), Rhoda Onyancha, made the remarks on Tuesday after leading the National Government Development-Regional/County Implementation Coordination and Management Committee on an inspection tour of three flagship government projects: the Green Park Pedestrian Underpass, Talanta Sports City, and the Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC).

The committee assessed construction progress, reviewed implementation challenges, and evaluated security measures at the project sites.

Onyancha said the projects were progressing steadily, with no major bottlenecks threatening completion.

“Our assessment indicates that all the projects are progressing well and remain on course. The few challenges that have emerged have been resolved, and we do not have any major hindrances affecting implementation at the moment,” she said.

She noted that beyond improving infrastructure, the projects are creating significant employment opportunities for young people.

According to the Regional Commissioner, nearly 5,000 youth are currently employed across the three projects, with more than 2,500 working at the Bomas International Convention Centre alone.

“We have seen that these projects are providing meaningful employment to our young people. Although work at the Green Park Underpass is winding down because construction is almost complete, overall employment remains high across the projects,” she added.

Onyancha commended security agencies for ensuring uninterrupted construction activities, noting that most of the projects operate around the clock without security incidents.

“We have not experienced any security challenges despite the projects operating 24 hours a day. As the projects near completion, we are also developing mechanisms to secure these facilities from vandalism and ensure they remain safe for public use,” she said.

The regional commissioner said security planning would continue even after the facilities are handed over for public use to safeguard government investments.

Among the projects inspected was the Sh31.5 billion Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC), a 323,500-square-meter development being implemented jointly by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Construction Engineering Brigade and Turkish contractor Summa Turizm.

The mega project will feature an 11,000-seat convention center, a hotel, sports and recreational facilities, and cultural amenities aimed at positioning Kenya as a leading destination for international conferences, exhibitions, and cultural tourism.

Government officials say the facility will also stimulate economic growth through job creation and increased tourism.

Head of the Government Delivery Unit (GDU), Dr. Sitati Olando, said the Green Park Underpass has reached the final stages of construction and is expected to be opened to the public very soon.

“The project is substantially complete, with only a few finishing works remaining. We have agreed with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) that these works should be completed within one month to allow the facility to be opened for public use,” Olando said.

He explained that the underpass is expected to ease congestion at the Haile Selassie Avenue-Uhuru Highway roundabout while improving pedestrian safety by separating foot traffic from vehicular traffic.

According to KeNHA, the Sh2 billion project is 99 percent complete. Remaining works include landscaping, interior finishes, utility service connections, electrical and mechanical installations, testing, and commissioning.

The facility includes seven elevators for persons with disabilities, 39 retail shops and stalls, two ablution blocks, CCTV surveillance systems, functional lighting, firefighting equipment, standby generators, and 24-hour security.

Olando said the Talanta Sports City project continues to receive close supervision from the Office of the President due to its strategic national importance.

“The president has visited the project on several occasions. We regularly inspect the site to monitor progress and resolve any implementation challenges to ensure the project remains on schedule,” he said.

He added that the successful completion of Nairobi’s flagship infrastructure projects would enhance the capital city’s status as a modern regional hub.

“Nairobi is the face of Kenya. The transformation taking place through these projects will contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and accelerate its development aspirations,” Olando said.

Responding to questions on the country’s heightened political temperatures, Onyancha warned politicians against mobilizing youths to engage in violence or criminal activities.

She said the Nairobi Security Committee would firmly deal with individuals involved in acts of lawlessness to protect residents, businesses, and visitors.

“We have a responsibility to ensure Nairobi remains safe and secure. We will not allow a few individuals to make the city ungovernable or unsafe,” she said.

Without revealing operational strategies, the regional commissioner said security agencies were prepared to deal decisively with criminal elements seeking to disrupt peace.

She urged political leaders to exercise responsibility, saying the rights of one group should never infringe on the rights and safety of others.

“Politicians must understand that those they mobilize eventually confront fellow citizens. Every Kenyan has rights, including police officers and members of the public. We will not hesitate to take firm action against anyone found inciting or organizing violence,” Onyancha said.

By Joseph Ng’ang’a