Kenya’s Super highway set for launch

Last Updated 14 years ago by Kenya Engineer

The launch of what has become Kenya’s pride in the infrastructure sector, Nairobi-Thika superhighway is set for launch on 9th November this year according to a tweet by Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA). The project which commenced in 2009 is one of the major projects highlighted in the country’s Vision 2030.

The project overseen by KeNHA was awarded to different contractors who constructed the different sections as follows:-LOT1 – Muthaiga Roundabout – Uhuru Highway (City Arterial Connectors (12.4km) was done by China Wu Yi Company Ltd;LOT2 – Muthaiga Roundabout – Kenyatta University (14.1km) was done by Sinohydro Corporation Ltd. ;LOT3 – Kenyatta University – Thika (23.9km) by Shengli Engineering Construction Group Co. Ltd.

The Sh24 billion project has seen the road increased from a two-lane to a twelve/eight-lane highway. The works involved widening of University way from the current 6 lanes to 8 lanes;4 lane Flyover across Globe Cinema Roundabout; widening of Murang’a to 6 lanes; underpass at Pangani and a flyover on Muthaiga Roundabout.

At the Forest Road – Museum Road – Museum Hill Roundabout section, works involved widening of Forest Road to 6 lanes, provision of Forked Flyover on Limuru Road and footpaths.

From Muthaiga-Thika, the road has been increased to 8 and 12 lanes at different sections and interchanges at alternating points-this means controlled access and exit from the highway. Foot bridges have also been set-up at respective points near/at the bus stops for the civilians to use instead of crossing at the busy highway.

The project also included construction of by-passes which surround the Nairobi capital giving alternative entries and exits to the city. The by-passes namely Northern bypass (links Limuru road to Thika Road); Eastern bypass (links Mombasa road to Ruiru-Kiambu road near Kamiti prison); Southern bypass (runs from Kikuyu to Mombasa road via Ngong road & Lang’ata) are aimed at easing traffic which is mostly created at entry/exit points of the city. Heavy trucks are expected to be diverted to use these routes instead.

The project was meant to be complete by last year but this was not possible owing to financial issues. It plays a great role in improving the transport sector which greatly contributes to the economic growth of the country.