The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has kick-started the renovation of the Mombasa Road-Westlands Highway days after President William Ruto announced plans for the road's facelift.
KeNHA on Friday, December 19, officially kicked off the 27-kilometre road project with a site visit and formal handover to the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
According to the Authority, the initiative focuses on the beautification and landscaping of the road from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, which is located along Mombasa Road (JKIA), to the ABC Place along Waiyaki Way in Westlands.
"Arising from the presidential directive on the modernisation of infrastructure around JJKIA, KeNHA has initiated a transformative infrastructure project aimed at strengthening Kenya’s gateway to the world," KeNHA announced.
The site visit exercise was led by KeNHA’s Director of Maintenance, Engineer Ezekiel Fukwo, alongside technical teams from the authority and the Chinese contractor.
KeNHA noted that the multi-million shilling project goes beyond just beautification, as it is expected to also include infrastructure and safety upgrades designed to enhance user experience.
The Authority added that the beautification works will be integrated with environmentally sustainable designs to improve the highway's visual appeal without interference with the environment.
"Upon completion, the project is expected to significantly improve the area’s aesthetic appeal, promote environmental sustainability, and upgrade infrastructure and safety standards within the region," KeNHA added.
This comes just a week after the Head of State announced a comprehensive rehabilitation and beautification of the route from Mombasa Road, through to Uhuru Highway and finally to Waiyaki Way.
Speaking during the Jamhuri celebrations held on December 12, Ruto said the works would begin this month as part of a broader government initiative to modernise Nairobi’s transport network.
"Because the Expressway is complete, the lower road has experienced challenges. Therefore, beginning this December as you travel home for the holidays, we will recarpet the road from JKIA to ABC and undertake beautification works to ensure Nairobi reflects its status as Kenya’s capital city,” he said.
During the event, Ruto also outlined a series of ongoing and upcoming road projects, including the planned construction of the Nairobi-Thika expressway.
