Nairobi Clears Roadside Structures Ahead of 2027 AFCON Hosting
Nairobi is currently undergoing a massive urban facelift as authorities race to prepare the city for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). In a coordinated effort to mirror the order and cleanliness of cities like Kigali and Addis Ababa, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and Kenya Railways have launched a sustained campaign to clear unauthorized roadside structures along the city’s primary corridors. From Mombasa Road to Waiyaki Way, the usual clutter of kiosks, illegal billboards, and temporary sheds is being swept away to make room for extensive landscaping and expanded pedestrian paths. This “beautification” push is designed to ensure that visiting fans and international dignitaries encounter a world-class capital when the continental tournament kicks off.
The transformation isn’t just about surface-level looks; it’s about revolutionizing urban movement. Kenya Railways has already begun reclaiming land along critical rail corridors to build a strategic spur line that will link Nairobi Central Station directly to the 60,000-seat Talanta Sports City Stadium and the renovated Nyayo Stadium. By moving large volumes of fans via rail rather than road, the government hopes to avoid the gridlock that historically plagues Nairobi during major sporting events. This infrastructure push is a core component of the “Pamoja” bid strategy, aiming to provide a seamless transit experience between match venues and hotel hubs.
One of the most ambitious upgrades involves a KSh 3.9 billion contract recently awarded to a consortium of Chinese and Kenyan firms to revamp the area surrounding the new Talanta Stadium. The project includes the construction of modern, paved walkways along both sides of Ngong Road and the Southern Bypass. Additionally, a new dual carriageway and a high-capacity footbridge are being installed at the Southern Bypass interchange to manage the massive surge of fans expected on match days. While these projects are being fast-tracked for AFCON, they are engineered to provide a lasting infrastructure legacy that will improve urban mobility for Nairobi residents for decades to come.
However, the reception of this “Operation Clean City” remains mixed among the local population. While many residents celebrate the tidier streets and the promise of world-class sporting facilities, the purge has hit the informal economy hard. Hundreds of traders, particularly in Githurai and along Langata Road, have held fierce protests following the demolition of their stalls. Many argue that while seven-day notices were issued, the lack of viable relocation options makes the move feel like a direct threat to their livelihoods. As the bulldozers continue their work, Nairobi remains caught in a delicate balance between its ambition to host a premier global event and the immediate needs of its street-level entrepreneurs.
