A May 29, 2022, incident at the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) exit along Nairobi Expressway has intensified debates over the elevated highway's design, with motorists highlighting risks from sharp turns and structural issues. The accident involved a lorry swerving into a pole near the toll station, though the driver sustained no injuries.
Moja Expressway, the company managing the 27-year concession, acknowledged concerns about the route's design, including the sharp turn at the Mombasa road junction on the Southern bypass. An official stated the company would address issues before the road's official launch, which remains pending. The incident follows earlier criticisms of hazardous pipe installations and pedestrian pathway encroachments in the Central Business District.
The China Road and Bridge Corporation, through Moja Expressway, pledged to restore affected roads to their pre-construction condition. This comes as proposed penalties for road damage could reach Ksh8 million, though the regulation remains under discussion. The elevated highway, part of a 27-year concession, faces ongoing safety evaluations amid growing public pressure.
Concerns about the project's design predate the accident. In December 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta participated in infrastructure reviews, with Transport CS James Macharia and National Museum Society officials. Motorists continue to demand fixes to prevent accidents, citing risks from the expressway's current configuration.
