The construction of the Green Park underpass at the intersection of Uhuru Highway and Haile Selassie Avenue is nearing completion, promising to revolutionise pedestrian access and streamline traffic flow into Nairobi’s central business district.

Now 85 per cent complete, the underpass, strategically located at one of the city’s busiest intersections, will provide a safe and efficient route for pedestrians beneath the bustling Uhuru Highway.

It will seamlessly connect Uhuru Park, the Nairobi Railway Station, and Haile Selassie Avenue directly to the CBD, eliminating the need to navigate dangerous traffic crossings.

Spearheaded by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) in collaboration with the China Road and Bridge Corporation, this national government project draws inspiration from global best practices in urban design.

Cities such as London, Amsterdam, and Hong Kong served as models, where pedestrian underpasses double as vibrant, multifunctional spaces.

Easing traffic

“This Green Park underpass is not just another construction project; it embodies our vision to modernise Nairobi’s urban landscape,” Eliud Owalo, Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management, said during an inspection tour on May 26, 2025, with engineers and Government Delivery Unit officials.  

“We’re creating an experience—not just a crossing.”

With a budget of Ksh2 billion, the underpass is a key investment aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion by optimising both pedestrian and vehicular movement at a critical junction in the city.

Friendly experience

Once complete, the new underpass will feature well-lit corridors, CCTV surveillance, and retail amenities, echoing the design of world-class pedestrian tunnels that serve as both transit routes and community hubs.

Pedestrians will enjoy a secure, clean environment enhanced by the presence of coffee shops, kiosks, and newsstands—transforming a routine crossing into an inviting, city-friendly experience.

By channelling foot traffic underground, the underpass is expected to significantly reduce pedestrian-vehicle conflicts, enhance commuter safety, and improve traffic efficiency at the Haile Selassie–Uhuru Highway junction.

This marks a shift from reactive traffic measures to proactive, design-led urban solutions aligned with global standards.

The residents of Nairobi can look forward to a safer, more organised commuting experience that supports the city’s long-term vision of becoming a sustainable, green capital in the sun.