Eastleigh man transforms neglected 13th Street roundabout into flourishing maize farm

A thriving maize plantation in the middle of Eastleigh’s 13th Street roundabout is turning heads and sparking conversation among residents and motorists alike.

Located at the junction of Second Avenue and General Wariungi Street, the unexpected green patch has become a social media sensation, with photos of the maize field spreading rapidly online.

For months, passersby have watched with curiosity as the once-barren space transformed—what started as a few sprouting stalks has grown into a full-fledged maize field.

The unusual urban farm has drawn both admiration for its creativity and concern over its impact on road visibility, igniting a lively debate within the community.

The man behind the eye-catching maize plantation is Francis Ngigi, a resident with a passion for community improvement.

Ngigi says the idea came to him after he joined a neighbourhood clean-up initiative aimed at transforming the neglected roundabout, which had long served as a dumping ground and temporary shelter for street families.

The project was started by Toronto Restaurant, a nearby eatery that rallied local support to rehabilitate the space.

Working alongside the restaurant team, Ngigi helped clear garbage, relocate the street families, fence the area, and plant flowers to brighten the environment.

But Ngigi wasn’t done. Wanting to add a personal touch and keep the momentum going, he decided to plant maize—a simple idea that would soon turn into a full-grown symbol of transformation.

“I decided to man this roundabout with the help of Toronto Restaurant. After they brought the flowers, it was then that I also decided to add my input,” Francis said.

Ngigi added that he has taken full responsibility for maintaining the space. He ensures that no one dumps waste at the site and works to prevent street families from returning. He is also committed to protecting the maize, often staying alert—especially at night—to guard against theft.

Ngigi expressed satisfaction with how well the crop has flourished. Some of the maize plants have already started producing cobs and are nearly ready for harvest. He said the progress reassures him that his efforts have been worthwhile.

“All the maize I planted is in good condition and ready to give me good returns,” he said.

He also noted that the presence of the maize has had an added benefit of protecting the flowers from withering by offering them shade and shielding them from direct sunlight.

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Despite the positive reactions from many residents who are surprised and amused by the idea of farming in the middle of a busy Nairobi neighbourhood, not everyone is pleased.

A few concerns have been raised, especially from drivers who feel that the tall maize blocks their view of the road, potentially posing a traffic hazard.

In response, Ngigi said that the issue of visibility has not led to any accidents and believes the environmental benefits outweigh the concerns.

“Accidents have not happened here, but we have a clean environment, which is good for all of us,” he said.

He acknowledged the risk of people stealing the maize during the night but said he is making plans to safeguard the crop when it becomes ready for harvest.

He remains committed to protecting and maintaining the roundabout and hopes that his example can inspire others to take similar action in their communities.

As the maize nears harvest, the unusual sight at the Eastleigh roundabout continues to attract interest from residents, motorists, and social media users alike.

Whether admired or criticised, the initiative has sparked a conversation around how neglected public spaces can be transformed through community involvement and individual effort.