The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) is prioritizing completion of over 700 kilometers of road projects valued at Sh93.8 billion across 31 counties before President Uhuru Kenyatta's tenure concludes.
Nairobi leads with 172.6 kilometers of projects costing Sh52 billion, followed by Machakos at 83.6 kilometers (Sh6.8 billion). Nakuru, Mombasa, and Kisumu have 44, 24.7, and 11.8 kilometers of ongoing work, respectively, with costs of Sh3.5 billion, Sh1.8 billion, and Sh687 million.
Trans Nzoia and Embu trail with 2.2 kilometers (Sh164 million) and 2.5 kilometers (Sh254 million) of projects. The agency also manages low-volume seal roads in Mombasa, Meru, Lamu, Garissa, Kisumu, and Bungoma.
Economic Impact and Land Fraud Alert ¶
Kura Director-General Silas Kinoti emphasized adherence to legal procedures in land acquisition for road networks. He warned against unauthorized land sales, citing two plots acquired in 2014 for the Nairobi Expressway-Mombasa Road expansion.
"The land, purchased from Strategic Industries in 2014 for City Cabanas development, is strictly for road construction. Any buyers of these parcels do so at their own risk," Kinoti stated, accusing vendors of using forged documents to sell the land.
Infrastructure as Economic Catalyst ¶
Kura highlights that improved road networks stimulate economic growth by enhancing agriculture, transport, tourism, and trade. Kinoti noted that quality infrastructure supports industrialization and youth employment, with current projects already boosting economic activities nationwide.
