Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has pledged to undertake a massive road rehabilitation and construction project aimed at revamping the city’s infrastructure and alleviating the perennial traffic congestion that plagues residents.
This ambitious initiative follows a high-level meeting between the Governor, Roads Cabinet Secretary David Chirchir, Principal Secretary for Roads, Nicholas Mbugua, and representatives from key agencies including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA).
The comprehensive plan focuses on rehabilitating major roads across the city, including some of the busiest and most critical arteries in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and its surrounding areas. The initiative seeks to tackle key infrastructure challenges and bring relief to commuters who have long struggled with deteriorating road conditions.
Governor Sakaja revealed that the project would focus on a range of roads, including both national and county routes.
Notable roads set for rehabilitation include Uhuru Highway, Juja Road, Jogoo Road, and several in key neighborhoods such as Westlands, Upper Hill, Kilimani, and Kileleshwa.
Many of these roads had been left in a state of disrepair or were stalled during the tenure of the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and the national government.
Speaking after the meeting, Governor Sakaja emphasized the importance of collaboration between national and county agencies to ensure the success of the project. He stressed that some roads fall under the jurisdiction of the national government, while others are county roads, making coordination essential.
“Major roads in the city are set for rehabilitation and construction shortly. Some are classified as national while others are county roads, requiring close collaboration with all agencies involved,” said Sakaja.
“This will help ensure that both national and county road projects are executed efficiently, and that the benefits reach all Nairobians.”
The road rehabilitation plan comes at a time when Nairobians have expressed growing frustration over issues such as potholes, poor drainage, and traffic congestion.
These long-standing infrastructural challenges have caused significant disruptions in daily life, particularly in the CBD, where heavy traffic and poor road conditions have been a constant headache for commuters.
Governor Sakaja noted that the rehabilitation of these roads would not only enhance the city’s overall mobility but also improve the quality of life for residents.
“This project will breathe new life into Nairobi’s infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion, and improve drainage systems. Our goal is to create a city that is more navigable, efficient, and sustainable,” Sakaja added.
The meeting between Governor Sakaja and the various stakeholders in the transport sector was pivotal in aligning efforts for the project.
It was clear that strong collaboration would be necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the roadworks. The Nairobi County team, including the Mobility and Works Department, also played a central role in the discussions, ensuring that the city’s specific needs were taken into account.
Governor Sakaja’s administration has been proactive in addressing Nairobi’s infrastructure challenges, and this road rehabilitation plan is part of a broader vision to transform the city into a modern, well-connected urban center.
“Our work is not just about fixing potholes; it’s about ensuring that Nairobi becomes a city that works for its residents, a city where people can move freely and efficiently,” the Governor emphasized.
Once completed, the road rehabilitation initiative is expected to significantly reduce travel times across Nairobi and improve road safety.
Enhanced drainage systems will also help mitigate flooding, a common problem during the rainy season, particularly in low-lying areas.
By targeting both the Central Business District and residential neighborhoods, the project aims to bring improvements to a wide cross-section of the city’s population, from daily commuters to residents.
Moreover, the project is expected to create numerous job opportunities for local contractors and workers, further boosting Nairobi’s economy as the city continues to grow.
The ambitious project is expected to roll out in phases, with work beginning on the most critical roads in the coming months.
Governor Sakaja has assured Nairobians that the rehabilitation works will be carried out with minimal disruption to traffic, and efforts will be made to ensure that roads are reopened promptly once repairs are completed.
“We understand the challenges that come with roadworks, but we also know that these disruptions are temporary,” Sakaja said. “The end result will be a city with better roads, faster commutes, and an improved environment for all.”
, Uhuru Highway, Juja Road, Jogoo Road, as well as roads in Westlands, Upper Hill, Kilimani, and Kileleshwa. Several of these projects were previously stalled under the defunct Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS), the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), and the national government.){kind=link}