This archive report was first published on 26 June 2021.
Kenya's capital city, Nairobi, is facing a severe traffic crisis due to the ongoing construction of the Nairobi Expressway. The project, valued at Ksh65 billion, has been conceptualized under a Public-Private Partnership between the Government of Kenya and the Government of the Kingdom of Spain.
As of June 26, 2021, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a temporary closure of a section of Waiyaki Way, which will be closed for 34 days, starting from Monday, June 28, 2021, until Sunday, August 1, 2021. The closure is due to the ongoing construction of the Nairobi Expressway.
KeNHA has provided a schematic guide for road users to navigate the affected area, which includes the ramp linking Waiyaki Way to Forest Road. The authority has also announced the temporary closure of the Capital Centre access along Mombasa Road, which will be closed from Monday, June 28, 2021, until Saturday, July 17, 2021.
Motorists are advised to identify alternative routes to avoid traffic jams, which have become a common feature on Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, and Waiyaki Highway. The situation has led to concerns regarding increased traffic snarl-up affecting the major highway, prompting KeNHA to direct the contractor to implement a better traffic management system on Mombasa Road.
On June 5, 2021, KeNHA Chairman Eng. Wangai Ndirangu and Director General Eng. Peter Mundinia conducted an inspection of the highway, following which the directive was issued.
