For years, Nairobi motorists have witnessed traffic snarls that last for several hours especially during peek hours.
The government through the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) outlined how it will ease traffic in Nairobi, alongside several plans by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services and the Nairobi County Government.
Among them were building of new matatu termini, expanding the railway network, development of the commutter city rail system buses and upgrading several roads in the city.
However, the construction of three major roads in Nairobi takes the centre focus as President Uhuru Kenyatta is keen on developing infrastructure as part of his Big 4 Agenda.
Nairobi Expressway
The construction of the Ksh 65 billion road is the most expensive road project in the country.
The road will start at Mlolongo and will pass outside Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) through Nairobi Central Business District to join Waiyaki Way in Westlands.
Over 25,000 motorists using the road per day will part with a Ksh 300 toll fee on each day.
The road will be elevated from NextGen Mall and will have 10 interchanges at the SGR interchange, the JKIA interchange, Eastern bypass, Capital Center, Haile Selassie, Thika road interchange, Westland's interchange and James Gichuru.
Thika Superhighway
Thika Superhighway has witnessed major upgrades for the past years.
However, the construction of the special lanes for high capacity buses is a game-changer.
It will cost the government Ksh 5.6 billion to construct the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system.
Over 100 buses are targetted to use the special lanes. Each bus is expected to carry a maximum of 160 passengers who will use electronic cards to pay their fare
The BRT lane will be spread to other major roads such as the Outering Road
Waiyaki Way
Waiyaki Way is being transformed into a superhighway to ease traffic flowing out and into the city.
The project costs Ksh 16 billion and has also seen the James Gichuru - Rironi Road expanded.
The substantial completion of the new Waiyaki Way-Red Hill link Road also eases traffic for residents and motorists in Western and Northern parts of Nairobi County.
The road transformed the leafy suburbs opening up for re-development and has dramatically eased congestion in the City.
The government is also dualing the Ngong Road -Naivasha Road - A104 and upgrading the Outer Ring Road to reduce congestion on Thika Road.
