The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has launched repair works along the highly congested Mombasa Road – Westlands Highway, shortly after President William Ruto revealed his plan to give the important highway a major overhaul.
The project was officially launched on Friday, 19th December by KeNHA through a visit program and handing over of the works to the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC). The project will encompass the section from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) along Mombasa Road to ABC Place on the Waiyaki Way in Westlands.
According to KeNHA, the project is founded on beautification and landscaping, which is geared at making one of the greatest gateways to Nairobi a reality.
“As a result of the presidential directive on the modernization of infrastructure surrounding JKIA, KeNHA has implemented a revolutionizing infrastructure project that seeks to make Kenya’s gateway to the world more robust,” the Authority remarked.
The visit was conducted under the direction of KeNHA’s Director of Maintenance, Eng. Ezekiel Fukwo, and various technical teams from KeNHA and representatives from the Chinese contractor.
The project transcends mere aesthetic changes, according to KeNHA. Asides from landscaping, the project will also feature construction of infrastructures to ensure a positive experience for those who use the road, according to the agency.
In addition, the authority noted that the beautification project will be conducted using sustainable designs so that the environmental improvement will not affect the environment.
“Once completed, the proposed project will see a great improvement in the area’s aesthetics as well as environmental sustainability and infrastructure as a whole. This was stated by KeNHA.”
The construction begins with the announcement made by President Ruto on the occasion of the celebration of Jamhuri Day on December 12, during which the President revealed the plans for the overall renovation and improvement of the road stretching from Mombasa Road through Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way.
The President while addressing the nation during the celebrations stated that the project will commence this month as part of the extensive agenda of the government to upgrade transport in Nairobi following the opening of Nairobi Expressway.
“Since the Expressway is completed, the lower road has also been facing some difficulties. Thus, from this coming December, when you head home for the holidays, we shall recarpet the road from JKIA to ABC and carry out the process of beautification so that Nairobi looks the way the capital of Kenya should look,” Ruto stated.
At the same event, the President listed some of the projects the government has in the way of constructing roads, such as the proposed buildup of the Nairobi-Thika Expressway, as the government seeks to address the congestion in the capital.
