Sh17.3 Billion Nairobi Western bypass project starts

The heavy traffic jam currently experienced in Nairobi is expected to reduce after the state road agency and Chinese Company entered into an agreement to start the construction of 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.

Peter Mundinia, the KenHA Director General signed the deal with CRBC's Country Manager Li Qiang. Samuel Oner, the authority's General Manager in charge of Planning and Environment was present.

The Nairobi Western Bypass project will be implemented as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract (EPC). The EPC 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 the decongestion of the capital city centre, which is contributed by the endemic traffic jams experienced on most of the roads.

Charles Njogu the 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.

The new bypass follows the completion of the construction 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 minimize noise disturbance of residents living near the area.