The ongoing renovation of Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) has led to the temporary relocation of matatus to Moi Avenue. A section of the side-road near the Ambassador Hotel, a popular pick-up point for public service vehicles (PSVs), has been closed for re-carpeting, forcing matatus plying routes such as Embakasi, Pipeline, Kawangware, Komarocks, and Utawala to pick passengers along Moi Avenue.
The affected matatu operators have expressed their concerns about the temporary disruption. Mr. Githinji, a matatu operator on the Embakasi route, stated that the relocation has slightly affected their operations, but they remain hopeful that they will return to their usual pick-up point once renovations are complete. “Matatus are an important part of Nairobi, and it would be wrong if they were to be moved permanently out of the CBD,” he noted.
Residents and frequent visitors to the CBD have noted a positive change in the area’s congestion levels since the relocation. Timothy Kamau, a Nairobi resident, observed that the Ambassador Hotel area is now more open and organized. “The area is more open now. I just wish the county government could make this permanent so that vehicles can pick passengers where they currently do, along Moi Avenue. It’s more orderly now, and people have enough space to walk,” he remarked.
For years, the road under renovation has been a cause for concern, especially during the rainy season when it would become waterlogged, making navigation difficult for both pedestrians and vehicles. According to Engineer Geoffrey Tirop, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Works, the facelift and renovation works will also include Ronald Ngala, Tom Mboya, and parts of Odeon. Additionally, Moi Avenue, Harambee Avenue, Haile Selassie Avenue, Kenyatta Avenue, City Hall Way, Mama Ngina Street, Muindi Mbingu Street, Standard Street, and Wabera Street are all earmarked for renovation.
This project is part of a broader initiative by the Nairobi County Government to ease congestion in the CBD, which has also seen hawkers relocated to designated areas. While the move has been largely successful, there are reports that some hawkers are still sneaking back to sell their wares in restricted zones, raising concerns about enforcement.
As the renovations continue, both matatu operators and city residents are keenly observing how the changes will impact Nairobi’s transport and commercial landscape in the long run. Whether the temporary adjustments will lead to permanent solutions remains to be seen.
