City Hall Faces Court Challenge Over Ongoing CBD Road and Walkway Works
Justice Nabil Mokaya Orina issued the directions as the case proceeds through the normal court process.
NAIROBI, Kenya – The High Court has instructed the Nairobi County Government to reply within two weeks to a lawsuit questioning the city's ongoing road and pedestrian works in the Central Business District. The lawsuit, brought by human rights advocate Francis Awino, seeks to halt the projects due to perceived violations of constitutional and legal rules on public involvement, procurement, and accountability.
Justice Nabil Mokaya Orina has set the deadline as the case moves through standard court procedures. Awino is contesting construction on Haile Selassie Avenue, Moi Avenue, Taifa Lane, the Kencom area, and surrounding streets within Nairobi's CBD. The lawsuit names the Nairobi City County Government, the Roads County Executive Committee Member, the Chief Officer for Roads, the Joint Steering Committee under the National Government-Nairobi County Cooperation Agreement, and the Attorney-General as defendants.
Awino contends the project was executed without proper adherence to constitutional and statutory obligations concerning public input, procurement, transparency, and accountability. He wants the court to invalidate decisions, approvals, procurement procedures, and contracts tied to the works. The activist is also requesting that the court issue orders halting the project's continuation.
Awino demands the respondents provide critical documents regarding the planning, procurement, and execution of the CBD works, including procurement plans, tender documents, contracts, bills of quantities, payment records, and other related data. The petitioner contends access to these records is essential for reviewing the project's decisions and expenditures.
The lawsuit also raises safety worries for pedestrians utilizing the affected roads and walkways. Awino wants the court to order the defendants to place sufficient warning signs and barriers at construction sites and to provide secure pedestrian detours. According to court papers, certain parts of the CBD have been dug up or obstructed by ongoing building, leaving portions of the walkways inaccessible.
The petitioner claims the situation endangers pedestrians and necessitates appropriate action. The defendants are required to submit their replies within the 14-day window as the High Court examines the concerns raised in the lawsuit.
Written by urgent.news from Capital FM Kenya's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
