A legal challenge has been initiated against ongoing walkway installation and cabro paving projects in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD). The petitioner, Francis Awino, has approached the High Court seeking a judicial review of the works, raising questions about the legality, transparency, and procurement processes involved.
Awino's court filings highlight concerns that the public works have disrupted pedestrian movement, with some walkways blocked or rendered impassable. Additionally, he alleges inadequate safety measures such as poor signage and insufficient barriers, which pose risks to the public.
The petitioner requested the court to certify the case as urgent, warning that the continued progress of the works could render judicial intervention ineffective if delayed until the regular court session resumes. However, Justice Nabil Mokaya Orina declined to grant urgency but ordered that respondents be served with the documents. The matter is scheduled for an inter partes hearing on September 17, 2026.
Key Points of the Petition
- Challenges the legality and procurement procedures of the ongoing public works.
- Raises safety concerns due to inadequate warning signs and barriers.
- Highlights disruption to pedestrian access within the Nairobi CBD.
- Seeks immediate court intervention to prevent further expenditure and alteration of public streets.
- Requests the matter be heard during the Judiciary’s leave period to avoid irreversible progress of the works.
The Nairobi County Government and other relevant parties have been named as respondents in the case. The outcome of the hearing will determine whether the walkway installation works will proceed as planned or be halted pending further review.
