Nairobi Green Park underpass 88pc complete, Owalo says

The construction of Nairobi’s Green Park underpass at the intersection of Uhuru Highway and Haile Selassie Avenue is nearing completion.

Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management Eliud Owalo on Friday said the modern urban infrastructure will ease pedestrian movement and facilitate smooth traffic flow into the central business district.

Speaking during an inspection tour of the project, Mr Owalo said the underpass located at the busy intersection of Uhuru Highway and Haile Selassie Avenue is now 88 per cent complete.

Owalo said once opened, it will provide pedestrians with a secure and efficient route beneath the major Uhuru highway, linking Uhuru Park, the Nairobi Railways station, and Haile Selassie Avenue directly to the central business district without crossing chaotic traffic lanes.

“This Green Park underpass is not just any construction project, it is the embodiment of a vision to modernise Nairobi’s urban landscape because it is not only creating a crossing but an experience,” said Mr Owalo.

The project is being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) in partnership with the China Road and Bridge Corporation.

Owalo said the project’s concept draws inspiration from some of the world-class urban designs, for instance, London’s renowned pedestrian underpasses, known for their efficiency, safety, and integration into the city’s transit systems.

He said the Sh2 billion investment aims to reduce persistent traffic jams by streamlining both pedestrian and vehicular flow at one of Nairobi’s most congested junctions.

It features well-lit corridors, retail outlets, and CCTV surveillance, mirroring the multipurpose pedestrian tunnels found in modern cities, where such infrastructure doubles as social and commercial hubs.

Pedestrians walking through the Green Park underpass will be treated to a clean, secure corridor that feels more like a mini plaza than a tunnel.

“They will have access to conveniences like coffee shops, kiosks, and newsstands, transforming a simple walk from the hustle and bustle into a seamless, city-friendly experience,” said Owalo.

According to him, by diverting foot traffic below ground, the facility is expected to significantly reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflict, enhance commuter safety, and improve vehicular traffic flow around the critical Haile Selassie-Uhuru Highway intersection, in a strategic shift from reactive traffic management to proactive, design-led solutions aligned with the best global practices.

“Nairobians should anticipate a safer, more organised commuting experience that aligns with the city’s long-term transport and development goal of a green city in the sun,” he said.