Nairobi County Tackles Infrastructure Crisis as Council Approves Sh2.3 Billion Budget Amendment

The Nairobi City County Assembly passed a supplementary budget amendment on Wednesday that reallocates Sh2.3 billion towards emergency infrastructure repairs, marking a significant shift in how the devolved government plans to address the city's deteriorating public works.

The move comes after weeks of mounting pressure from residents and business operators along major thoroughfares. Sections of Mombasa Road near the Industrial Area have become increasingly treacherous, with some potholes measuring over half a metre deep. Similarly, the Thika Road superhighway—despite its relatively recent completion—has experienced unexpected subsidence near the Nairobi River crossing, forcing the county to reassign funds originally earmarked for green space development in Kiambiu and Westlands.

"The reality on the ground cannot be ignored," stated the County Executive Committee Member for Infrastructure during Monday's morning briefing at City Hall. "We are seeing increased complaints from transporters and commuters, particularly along the Outer Ring Road corridor where matatus and delivery vehicles are sustaining damage daily."

However, the budget reallocation has sparked concern among advocates for social welfare programmes. Organizations working in informal settlements across Kibera, Mathare, and Eastleigh expressed worry that planned investments in youth vocational training centres would face delays. The original Sh450 million allocated for expanding the Korogocho Skills Training Hub has been temporarily frozen pending a full financial review.

Water and sanitation remains another critical flashpoint. The Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company reported on Friday that non-revenue water loss continues at approximately 47 percent—among the highest globally—with aging pipes in neighbourhoods like Kilimani and Karura losing significant volumes daily. County officials confirmed that preliminary discussions with the World Bank are underway to secure concessional financing for a comprehensive pipeline replacement programme.

The assembly also heard updates on the ongoing Integrated Solid Waste Management project, which has faced implementation challenges in coordinating private waste collectors across the 17 administrative zones. Officials indicated that the contract review process for the Dandora dump site expansion will conclude by mid-July.

Stakeholder engagement sessions are scheduled for next week in Kasarani, Embakasi, and the CBD to gather public input before further budget amendments. The county has indicated that additional supplementary bills may be tabled in coming weeks as departmental needs become clearer.

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