Plans to build an underpass in Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) were actualised on Monday, June 12, after the national government invited interested contractors to bid for the project.
Through my government publication, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced that the underpass network would be centred in the Green Park Terminus, initially constructed as offloading and picking point for matatus.
According to KeNHA, the project received the green light after the government set aside funds under the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF). This marked a shift from depending on debts to funding infrastructural projects.
"The Government of the Republic of Kenya (GoK) through its implementing agency, Kenya National Highways Authority, has set aside funds under the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) to engage a contractor and consulting firm to undertake the Works and Consultancy Services," KeNHA stated.
Building an underpass at Green Park Terminus would mean the design around Uhuru Highway would be altered to accommodate the new design, which includes building another underground path.
Pedestrians using the underpass to connect between Nairobi CBD and Green Park Terminus would ease traffic overflow on the roads.
The underpass would also serve hundreds of Nairobi residents who commute to Upper Hill and other adjacent areas.
To expedite the project, the government invited companies to bid for supervisory work of the underpass network in Nairobi Central Business District.
"The complete set of tender documents may be obtained by interested consultants and contractors free of charge by downloading from the KeNHA website or Public Procurement Information Portal (PPIP)," KeNHA stated.
"There shall be a mandatory Pre-Tender Site Visit on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Haile Selassie Roundabout/ Greenpark Bus Terminus side, followed by a mandatory Pre-Bid Conference session at Barabara Plaza Auditorium at 2:30 PM as specified in the detailed tender notice uploaded onto the KeNHA website," the authority directed.
A pedestrian underpass at Nairobi Green Park, built at Ksh250 million, is touted to revive the project, wasting away despite the government's deep investments into the project to decongest the city.
Top leaders, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, opposed Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja's plan to relocate matatus to the terminus.
Following sustained attacks, Sakaja halted the plan and sought to consult other stakeholders.
