Development can be quantified by, among other factors, infrastructural projects. As is the case in the developed countries where sophisticated infrastructure like the high-speed trains and subways have earned prominence, Kenya has made steps and strides toward infrastructural development.
President Uhuru Kenyatta's administration has implemented key infrastructural projects since 2013, transforming the face of Kenya's terrain, as well as easing accessibility.
Kenyans.co.ke reviews some of the worth-noting developments, that will undoubtedly cement the legacy of President Kenyatta after he leaves office in August.
Nairobi Expressway
The 27-Km elevated highway stands out as one of the most prominent projects undertaken by the outgoing regime.
The highway connecting Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Westlands area was launched on a trial basis in May 2022 and was built at a cost of Ksh88 billion. The elevated way, according to the government, was constructed to ease congestion and beat traffic along the busy Mombasa Road.
Outer Ring Road
Outering Road connects Thika Highway to the Eastlands suburbs of Nairobi. These suburbs include Dandora, Kariobangi, Umoja, Kayole, and Embakasi. The project, launched in 2015, was an initiative of the government of Kenya in conjunction with the African Development Bank to enhance accessibility.
The 13-km stretch cost Ksh8.5 billion and has since eased traffic according to a report by the Kenya National Highways Authority, KeNHA.
Makupa Bridge
The government of Kenya, in April 2021 undertook a project to construct a 457-meter bridge to connect Mombasa Island to the dry land part of the city. This project was aimed at reducing the occasional delays in commuting across as well as elevating the status of Mombasa City.
The government on June 25, opened the 8-way Makupa Bridge to the public at a 95 percent completion rate. Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia affirmed that the landmark bridge was to be commissioned before the lapse of the current government's tenure.
Likoni floating bridge
The Likoni Floating Bridge is yet another noteworthy project in Kenya's Coast Region. The bridge was completed in 2020 and was designed to connect the Likoni Channel in Mombasa City. The project has since served as an alternative to the conventional ferry used to traverse the channel. About 300,000 pedestrians were projected to benefit.
SGR
The Standard Gauge Railway is one of the flagship projects of the Jubilee government. The 578.8 km line was launched in 2017. It connects the port of Mombasa to Nairobi, with an extension to Suswa.
The modern railway has reduced travel time between the two cities, to five hours. It has also opened the region for business, with Mombasa being a strategic entry and exit point for regional neighbouring countries.
Lamu Port
Lamu Port commenced its operations in 2021, a moment termed a milestone for the East African region. The Ksh2.5 trillion project is designed to serve as an alternative to the Mombasa Port which serves the extensive region of Kenya, Uganda, South Sudan and DRC.
The project is part of the Lamu Port South Sudan Ethiopia Transport corridor project, LAPPSET, conceived during the reign of the late president Mwai Kibaki. It connects northern Kenya to the middle belt of Africa.
