Why Govt is Reviewing Highway Designs in Kenya

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Traffic snarl-up at Uhuru Highway in Nairobi in March 2020.
Kenyans.co.ke

The government moved to review all road designs in an effort to identify and fix existing gaps

Speaking during the official opening of a week-long workshop at KICC on Tuesday, December 13, Roads' principal secretary, Engineer Joseph Mbugua, appreciated the work of the road agencies in reviewing road designs.

The workshop brought together stakeholders to discuss a draft review report from a consultant hired to advise the transport players. 

“I acknowledge the road agencies for the decision to review the existing Road Design Manual and Standard Specification,” he announced.

Roads Principal Secretary, Engineer Joseph Mbugua, during the official opening of  a week-long workshop at KICC on Tuesday, December 13, 2022
Roads Principal Secretary, Engineer Joseph Mbugua, during the official opening of a week-long workshop at KICC on Tuesday, December 13, 2022
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KENHA

“The review will improve the design, construction and maintenance of all roads,” Mbugua added. 

According to the PS, the government was also adapting sustainable road projects and resilient climate practices. 

One of the roads that the government built to modern standards is the 4.2-kilometre Langata Road-Ngong' Road link highway. The project was undertaken by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA). 

The multi-lane Langata-Ngong road link comprises modern infrastructures, including overpasses and underpasses.

According to a report dated 2022, the expressway was also among the roads expected to be redesigned.

It was reported that the highway from Mlolongo to Westlands would be designed to give motorists access to the Central Business District(CBD).

“It will be designed so that people from Westlands will land at Nyayo house.

"Those from the Airport will land at Haile Selassie Avenue or Green park bus terminus,” Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) proposed. 

The government also wants to build overpasses on the expressway, in Syokimau, Airtel, and Katani stations to ease pedestrian movement.

On Wednesday, December 7, Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, further announced plans to erect footbridges along Thika Road, to enforce traffic laws compliance and curb road carnages.

Appearing before the National Assembly committee on transport on Wednesday, December 7, Murkomen indicated that four footbridges would be erected at Juja High point Stage near Centurion Hotel and Kihunguro section.

An aerial photo of a section of Thika Superhighway.
An aerial photo of a section of Thika Superhighway.
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