Sh3 billion European Union grant to ease traffic in Nairobi

What you need to know:

  • The 16 kilometres project will create connections with Limuru road to Waiyaki Way and Thika road, as well as link Enterprise road to Mombasa road
  • The government is contributing Sh1.5 billion to build 21 kilometres of footpaths and cycle ways
  • Economists say traffic jams cost city commuters Sh200 million per day with calls for urgent investment in buses and public transport

The European Union has given Kenya Sh3.4 billion grant to build eight missing road links in Nairobi to ease congestion in the eastern parts of the city.

The 16 kilometres project will create connections with Limuru road to Waiyaki Way and Thika road, as well as link Enterprise road to Mombasa road.

It will see parts of six major roads — Lusaka, Enterprise, Quarry and Ring Road Parklands — turned into dual carriage-ways. The section between General Waruinge road and Juja road will be upgraded and connected to the superhighway.

European Union head of delegation Lodewijk Briet said construction will begin this month and last two years.

“Work is starting on 16 kilometres of road links in Nairobi which are designed to ease congestion between major junctions. Streetlights will be installed and all the roads have pavement constructed alongside the highway. In addition, two new walking/cycling-specific routes will be built along Rabai road and Lusaka road,” he said.

The government is contributing Sh1.5 billion to build 21 kilometres of footpaths and cycle ways. Traffic management procedures will be put in place while the work takes place to ensure smooth traffic flow.

“Nairobi’s business and growth is being held back by jams. These links are designed to fill-in the missing parts of Nairobi’s roads –and improve safety for the city’s commuters and pedestrians,” said Mr Briet.

CALLS FOR INVESTMENT

Economists say traffic jams cost city commuters Sh200 million per day with calls for urgent investment in buses and public transport.

A recent report from the Japanese development agency jointly with the County of Nairobi showed that in 2013, the average speed of traffic in the capital is 40km/h but is forecast to halve in the next 15 years without extra transport capacity.

The next six-year round of European Union funding for Kenya will be signed this week. A major component is expected to include support to improving Nairobi’s public transport infrastructure.