Street families to be moved from Nairobi CBD ahead of Obama visit

A worker busy beautifying a section of Uhuru Highway ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit to Kenya in July in this picture taken on June 30,2015. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

By  MUCHEMI WACHIRA

What you need to know:

  • They have been accused of being behind attacks on motorists and pedestrians who pass near the dens.
  • At least 3,000 participants are expected to attend the summit from across the world.

Street families will be pushed out of Nairobi city centre ahead of US President Barack Obama visit for the Global Entrepreneurship Summit.

Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Leah Oyake on Wednesday said the county was “clearing up all these areas before the summit kicks off".

The move is expected to improve security and attract investors.

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Street families, which have taken over some parts of the city, have been blamed for attacks on motorists and pedestrians who pass near their dens.

One of their hideouts is an open ground at the Global Cinema Roundabout, on Murang’a Road.

Workers spruce up a section of Uhuru Highway on June 30, 2015 ahead of US President Barack Obama’s visit in July. PHOTO | SALATON NJAU | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Ms Oyake defended the ongoing beautification of the city ahead of the US leader's visit, saying it was planned before Mr Obama confirmed the tour.

The project, she said, is part of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan that Governor Evans Kidero launched recently.

Ms Oyake said Mr Obama's visit has only given them the impetus to start implementing the Sh40 million project by landscaping Uhuru Highway and Mombasa Road.

3,000 TO ATTEND MEET

The US president is expected to use the two roads after touching down for the summit that kicks off on July 24.

At least 3,000 participants from all over the world are expected to attend the summit.

Apart from the landscaping, City Hall is also painting pavements and planting flowers along major streets.

The work is being done by hired youth who, Ms Oyake said, are getting an allowance of Sh500 per day.

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