City lawyer Donald B. Kipkorir has sparked debate after reflecting on Nairobi’s transformation, contrasting what he describes as a disciplined, clean and well-organised capital in the 1990s and early 2000s with what he terms a chaotic modern metropolis struggling with infrastructure and order.
In a detailed post on X, Kipkorir recalled his early years after graduating from the School of Law in the early 1990s, when he joined the law firm of senior politician Moses Wetang’ula.
He described a Nairobi where public transport operated with precision, citing how a KBS bus on route 111 would arrive at the same minute every morning without fail, allowing predictable commutes even for residents living in Ngong Town.
He further reflected on what he termed a cleaner city, noting that Nairobi streets were regularly serviced by road-cleaning lorries and had minimal litter.
According to him, basic services such as water supply in residential estates like Kilimani were reliable, while the area itself was characterised by well-maintained roads, vibrant social life and proximity to key state institutions.
Kipkorir also painted a picture of Nairobi’s social and hospitality scene during that era, referencing several high-end restaurants including Red Bull at Transnational Plaza, Alan Bobbie’s Bistro on Koinange Street, Thorn Tree at the Stanley, Mandhari at Serena, and Tamarind near the Central Bank of Kenya.
He described the food culture as “gourmet” with high service standards and fully booked establishments that attracted prominent clientele.
On nightlife, he pointed to the presence of clubs such as Florida 2000, Madhouse, Lips, Ainsworth and later Ibiza, which he said offered diverse entertainment options.
He also made reference to Nairobi Dam, which he claimed was once usable for recreational activities such as swimming and fishing, highlighting what he sees as environmental decline.
However, Kipkorir drew a sharp contrast with present-day Nairobi, describing it as unplanned, congested and struggling with deteriorating infrastructure.
He cited poor road conditions, sewage challenges, and what he termed the shutdown of the Central Business District at night, arguing that no major global city can afford such inactivity after dark.
“Nairobi of the 1990s was vibrant, clean and efficient,” he stated, adding that the current city reflects “retrogression rather than progress.”