The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed receiving funding from the China Export-Import (EXIM) Bank for the expansion of Kiambu Road from a two-lane single carriageway to a four-lane dual carriageway.
KeNHA, in a notice published on Tuesday, July 15, revealed that the road would be expanded from Pangani Estate in Nairobi through Muthaiga and finally to Ndumberi in Kiambu County.
The EXIM Bank is providing a Ksh38.7 billion loan for the implementation of the project, including the acquisition of adequate land for the expansion of the road.
"The Government of Kenya has received commitment from China through the China Export Import Bank to finance the cost of the Capacity Enhancement of Pangani–Muthaig –Kiambu–Ndumberi (B32) Road," KeNHA announced.
"The project will be implemented through FIDIC Silver Book – Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract Arrangements," the Authority added.
According to KeNHA, the four-lane highway will include two-lane service roads on both sides and pedestrian walkways along the entire project route.
The project will also involve the construction of new bridges at Muthaiga Golf Club, Mua Road Overpass, Coffee Garden U-turn, Tala Road Overpass, Ridgeways U-turn, Runda U-turn, and Kirigiti Junction Bridge.
During the project implementation phase, approximately six footbridges will also be constructed at various sections along the road to curb road accidents.
While announcing the project, KeNHA stated that the expansion of the road would decongest traffic along both Kiambu Road and Thika Superhighway.
KeNHA further revealed that the project would also improve the level of service, reduce travel times, and increase accessibility, thereby spurring the economic growth of both Nairobi and Kiambu Counties.
The expansion of the road has, in recent weeks, faced significant challenges, mainly stemming from environmental concerns and legal disputes, particularly regarding the destruction of Karura Forest.
In December last year, the Green Belt Movement called for a halt to the project, citing the potential destruction of over 50 acres of Karura Forest. The Movement also lamented the lack of proper public engagement during the project approval phase.
