Roads, railways and bridges: The changing face of East Africa’s cities

Nairobi Expressway.

An aerial view of runners taking part in the Nairobi marathon along the new expressway on May 8, 2022. PHOTO | TONY KARUMBA | AFP

In East Africa’s major cities, the skyline is changing. From the ageing buildings, potholed roads and chaotic transport systems, a new order is emerging. New skyscrapers have sprouted and big-ticket transport infrastructure networks are in the works.

In Nairobi, East Africa’s business and financial hub, a tolled 27km expressway has been launched, giving hope to commuters who have had to endure three-hour drives on the stretch, instead of just 15 minutes.