The Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) has embarked on the recarpeting and rehabilitation of the roads in different parts of the city.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 21, NMS stated that it would be working around the clock, starting with Moi Avenue in the CBD before moving to city estates.
“Day and night roads in the CBD, estates across all 17 Sub-counties are being recarpeted as we rehabilitate the capital to a world-class city,” the agency stated.
Construction workers can be spotted working in the wee hours of the morning and late into the night.
Other areas of the Nairobi Metropolitan Area targeted include Westlands, Dagoretti North, Dagoretti South, Lang'ata, Kibra, Roysambu, Kasarani, Ruaraka, Embakasi South, Embakasi North, Embakasi Central, Embakasi East, Embakasi West, Makadara, Kamukunji, Starehe and Mathare.
The construction will be fast-tracked following the launch of the Kangundo Road Asphalt Plant which is able to produce enough material to recarpet up to 3km a day.
The previous plant at Nanyuki Road was only able to produce about 150 to 300 tonnes of asphalt per day.
The implementation of Nairobi’s transport infrastructure upgrade is being spearheaded by NMS Transport Secretary Engineer Michael Ochieng'.
Before being moved to NMS, he worked at the State Department of Transport of Public Works.
He is also in charge of the development of non-motorized transport network in the CBD which favours walking and cycling over driving around the CBD.
The majority of street parking spots are now being replaced by pedestrian walkways and cycling lanes.
Engineer Michael is also heading the implementation of the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system which will provide an alternative mode of transport from matatus.
The process to decongest the city will be a true test for NMS Director General Mohammed Badi and Engineer Ochieng' since all past efforts to keep matatus out of the CBD have failed.
Many times commuters are left stranded having to trek for long distances to access the CBD after alighting at the terminus outside the city.
