Project Greenlit to Tackle Chronic Congestion

The Cabinet, in a dispatch on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, approved the long-awaited dualling of the 23.5-kilometre Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi road. This major infrastructure upgrade is set to transform the current two-lane single carriageway into a four-lane dual highway, complete with service roads, bypasses, and pedestrian facilities. The project is a strategic intervention to address the severe traffic gridlock that plagues the corridor, which serves the populous and rapidly growing residential and commercial areas of Muthaiga, Runda, Ridgeways, and Kiambu Town.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), the implementing agency, stated the project is a core component of the government's broader strategy to modernize the Nairobi metropolitan transport network, aligning with the Kenya Vision 2030 development blueprint. Once complete, the expanded road is expected to significantly reduce travel times, enhance road safety, and stimulate economic productivity by improving the flow of goods and people.

Scope, Cost, and Financing

The project's scope is extensive, involving the construction of a four-lane dual carriageway, two-lane service roads on both sides, and dedicated facilities for non-motorised transport, including pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes. Key features include the construction of several new bridges and interchanges at critical junctions such as Kamiti Road, Banana Road, and the Northern Bypass. Additionally, six footbridges will be erected at various locations to ensure pedestrian safety. The project also covers several vital spur roads, including the link from Kiambu Road to Thika Road via Ridgeways and the connection to UN Avenue through Runda.

The total cost of the project is estimated at USD $286.1 million (approximately KSh 46.3 billion), which includes a provision of USD $55.26 million (around KSh 8.9 billion) for land acquisition and the relocation of services. According to statements from the Ministry of Roads and Transport and KeNHA, the project will be financed by the Government of Kenya in partnership with the China Export-Import (EXIM) Bank. The construction will be undertaken using an Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) model, guided by the FIDIC Silver Book framework, which places greater responsibility on the contractor to ensure cost and time certainty.

Timeline and Public Engagement

KeNHA had previously invited prequalification applications from eligible Chinese contractors, with a submission deadline of Friday, August 22, 2025. The stipulated construction period is 36 months from the commencement date, followed by a 24-month defects notification period. However, as of mid-November 2025, the authority had not publicly announced the winning bidder.

The project has generated significant public interest. While the move has been widely welcomed by residents and business owners anticipating smoother commutes and improved trade, some stakeholders have raised concerns. The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK), in a statement on November 11, 2025, called for a comprehensive feasibility study, a socio-economic audit, and robust public participation before construction begins. The association cautioned against the project becoming a "pre-election spectacle" and emphasized the need to address the social, economic, and environmental impacts on residents and businesses along the corridor. The National Land Commission (NLC) has already initiated processes for land acquisition for various road projects in Kiambu County, requiring affected persons to submit formal claims for compensation.

Regional and Economic Implications

The expansion of Kiambu Road is poised to have a profound impact on the region's economy. Kiambu County is a significant agricultural hub, supplying Nairobi with fresh produce. The chronic congestion has often led to delays, causing losses for farmers and traders. The upgraded highway is expected to create a more efficient transport corridor, facilitating better access to markets and potentially boosting the agricultural sector. Furthermore, the project is anticipated to unlock the economic value of land and property along the corridor, spurring further development in the rapidly urbanizing northern suburbs of Nairobi. The improved infrastructure is a critical enabler for both residential and commercial growth, reinforcing the symbiotic economic relationship between Nairobi and Kiambu counties.