This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
Published on November 1, 2019, Nairobi — The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced that the 23-metre section of the Nairobi Expressway initially set to pass through the historic Uhuru Park recreational grounds will be constructed above ground level.
The decision comes amid criticism of the planned hiving off of 1.3 acres to accommodate the multiple-lane road linking the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the western side of the capital, Nairobi, in bid to address traffic congestion.
The construction of the Nairobi Expressway will begin in Mlolongo, Machakos, and extend to James Gichuru Road in Westlands.
KeNHA engineer Stanley Muhasi said the design of the expressway has now been optimized to ensure that no land will be taken from Uhuru Park.
"There is no part of this park that will be hived off; it will remain as it is," Muhasi said.
Government Spokesman Cyrus Oguna had previously indicated that the 1.3 acres to be hived off the Uhuru Park was a matter of fact a road reserve.
"It shall be constructed on road reserve, beautification will be done to this area where the pillars be put up," Oguna said.
The road aims to de-congest traffic flow in Nairobi, improve end-user experience, and enhance economic productivity for the City of Nairobi and the country in general.
The construction of the road will be funded by a private investor, with the firm expected to collect toll fees from motorists for 27 years before handing over the road to KeNHA.
The contractor will charge motorists Sh11.24 per km, while the entire journey from Mlolongo to James Gichuru Road will cost motorists in a saloon car Sh300.
The proposed project is estimated to cost Sh59.9 billion, financed through public-private partnership (PPP).
