Nairobi Launches Greenpark Underpass to Ease Congestion and Enhance Pedestrian Safety

Nairobi, Kenya – August 8, 2025 — Nairobi’s perennial traffic congestion could soon be eased following the groundbreaking of the Greenpark Terminus Pedestrian Underpass Network, a transformative 500-metre underground walkway currently under construction at the critical junction of Haile Selassie Avenue and Uhuru Highway.

The project, led by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), is envisioned as a state-of-the-art transit corridor that blends safety, accessibility, and commercial utility—offering a modern, 24-hour alternative for thousands of pedestrians navigating one of the city’s busiest intersections.

Design Inspired by Global Transit Cities

According to KeNHA, the Greenpark underpass draws architectural and functional inspiration from urban metro networks in Beijing and London, integrating essential urban amenities such as:

• High-capacity escalators and lifts

• CCTV surveillance and 24-hour security

• Accessible design for persons with disabilities

• Public washrooms and water tanks for hygiene and emergency use

• Retail spaces to support micro-enterprises and enhance commuter convenience

“This is not just a tunnel—it’s an urban solution,” said a senior KeNHA engineer at the launch. “It blends mobility, commerce, safety, and dignity for all users.”

Part of a Wider Infrastructure Modernisation Drive

The underpass is one of several megaprojects underway to untangle Nairobi’s notorious traffic snarls. Among other developments:

• A Sh3.58 billion elevated road near Junction Mall will replace the congestion-prone Ngong Road–Naivasha Road roundabout

• A new viaduct linking Kenyatta Avenue directly to Ngong Road is under construction to streamline cross-city movement

• Additional work continues on dualling major roads and expanding non-motorised transport infrastructureincluding walkways and cycle paths

These efforts align with the government’s larger Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan (NIUPLAN), aimed at creating a functional, inclusive, and resilient city for over 5 million residents.

Economic and Social Impact

Transport experts have hailed the Greenpark project as a game-changer for pedestrian safety, urban accessibility, and microeconomic stimulation.

“The integration of retail stalls in safe commuter zones boosts local entrepreneurship while offering secure, weather-protected routes for pedestrians,” said Dr. Lydia Achieng, an urban mobility analyst at the University of Nairobi.

The project is also expected to reduce jaywalking, lower accident rates, and minimise delays along key corridors that serve both matatus and private vehicles.

Why This Matters

The Road Ahead "😂"

Construction of the Greenpark underpass is expected to be completed by mid-2026, with phased accessibility opened to the public as early as Q1 2026. The project will act as a proof of concept for similar infrastructure at other traffic chokepoints in Nairobi, including Westlands, CBD peripheries, and areas around key transport terminals.

As Nairobi accelerates toward becoming a modern African metropolis, projects like Greenpark offer a glimpse into what is possible when design, function, and policy align in favour of the commuter.