KenHA signs Sh17.3b deal with Chinese contractor

Kenya National Highways Authority Director General Peter M Mundinia (centre) signs an agreement with the China Road and Bridge Corporation’s Country Manager Mr Li Qiang for the construction of The Nairobi Western Bypass. Looking on is KeNHA General Manager, Planning and Environment, Eng. Samuel Omer. (PHOTO: COURTESY)

Heavy traffic jams currently experienced in Nairobi are expected to reduce after a State road agency and a Chinese firm entered into an agreement to construct a Sh17.3 billion Western bypass.

Kenya National Highways Authority (KenHA) on Wednesday signed an agreement with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to carry out feasibility studies and designs for the development of the bypass.

KenHA Director General Peter Mundinia signed the deal with CRBC’s Country Manager Li Qiang. The Nairobi Western Bypass project will be implemented as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract (EPC). Its estimated cost of Sh17.3 billion will be funded through a concessionary loan from the Government of China. The proposed four-lane highway is expected to significantly contribute to de-congesting Nairobi city.

Speaking to The Standard yesterday, Charles Njogu, KeNHA corporate affairs manager, said the high capacity expressway measuring 16.5km with a design speed of 100 km/hour will connect with the Nairobi Southern Bypass at Gitaru, and the Northern Bypass at Ruaka.

“It will involve construction of interchanges and overpasses at major junctions at Wangige, Kihara, Ndenderu, and Ruaka,” explained Njogu.

“The Nairobi Western Bypass will not only ease traffic away from the CBD, but it is also expected to spur economic growth along the areas it will pass through,” he added.

Slip roads

The new bypass follows the completion of the Northern and Eastern bypasses in Nairobi, and the construction of the Nairobi Southern bypass, which is nearing completion.

According to KeNHA, the project will include facilities such as walkways on each side at Wangige, Kihara, Ndenderu and Ruaka townships and underpasses for pedestrian traffic at the market centres.

Noise barriers will also be constructed on interchange slip roads at Ruaka to minimise noise disturbance of residents living near the area.