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Motorists on the Thika Superhighway will experience significant traffic disruptions at Kihunguro for two months, starting Monday, October 20, 2025, as KeNHA undertakes critical footbridge construction to enhance pedestrian safety.
Motorists using the Thika Superhighway are advised to brace for two months of traffic disruption at the Kihunguro section, affecting both Nairobi-bound and Thika-bound service lanes. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced that the partial closure, commencing Monday, October 20, 2025, and running until Saturday, December 20, 2025, is necessary for the construction of footbridge column bases and stub columns.
This development aims to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow in an area known for significant foot movement and past accidents. KeNHA has urged motorists to adhere to a proposed traffic management plan, cooperate with traffic marshals and police officers on-site, and exercise caution to prevent accidents and delays.
The Thika Superhighway, an 8-lane controlled-access highway with sections expanding to 12 lanes, is a vital artery connecting Nairobi to the industrial town of Thika. Inaugurated in November 2012 by then-President Mwai Kibaki, the 50-kilometer stretch was a monumental infrastructure project designed to alleviate severe congestion and reduce road accidents that plagued the old road. The construction of the superhighway, which cost Ksh 32 billion (approximately US$360 million), was funded by the African Development Bank, the Exim Bank of China, and the Kenyan government.
Despite its success in easing traffic, certain sections, like Kihunguro, have continued to pose safety challenges for pedestrians due to the absence of adequate crossing points. The current construction addresses these long-standing concerns, reflecting an ongoing commitment to modernizing Kenya's highway infrastructure and improving safety standards.
KeNHA, mandated with the management, development, rehabilitation, and maintenance of national roads, is spearheading this project under its broader safety improvement initiatives. The authority's public notice, issued on Monday, October 13, 2025, by Acting Director General Luka Kimeli, outlines the necessity of the disruption for public safety.
The traffic management plan developed by KeNHA includes diversions, temporary signage, and the deployment of personnel to guide road users. This proactive approach aligns with national policies aimed at minimizing inconvenience during infrastructure development while prioritizing the safety of both motorists and pedestrians.
The construction of the Kihunguro footbridge has been widely anticipated, particularly by local residents, schoolchildren, and traders who frequently cross the busy highway. Many have welcomed the project, citing the dangerous conditions and numerous incidents that have occurred at informal crossing points.
While some motorists have expressed concerns about potential traffic build-up, the general sentiment among pedestrians is that the footbridge will provide a much-needed safe passage. KeNHA has appealed to all road users for patience and cooperation, emphasizing that the temporary inconvenience will lead to lasting benefits.
The primary implication for motorists will be increased travel times and potential congestion, particularly during peak hours. KeNHA has advised those plying the Thika route to use the main highway around Kihunguro to avoid the service lanes. For Nairobi-bound motorists needing to exit, a diversion at the Total Petrol Station leading to Mark Hotel has been provided.
The authority acknowledges that while stub columns for footbridges typically take three to four weeks to construct, the two-month closure factors in practical considerations such as traffic conditions, unforeseen delays, and the complexity of working on a busy highway.
While the need for enhanced pedestrian safety is clear, specific details regarding the project's budget and the contractor undertaking the work have not been widely publicized. The exact impact on local businesses operating along the affected service lanes during the two-month period also remains to be fully assessed.
The construction officially begins on Monday, October 20, 2025, and is expected to conclude by Saturday, December 20, 2025. KeNHA has committed to ensuring the works are completed within the scheduled period with minimal disruption.
Motorists should closely monitor KeNHA's official communication channels for any updates or changes to the traffic management plan. The effectiveness of the diversions and the cooperation of road users will be crucial in mitigating severe traffic snarl-ups during this period. The completion of the footbridge will be a significant milestone in improving pedestrian safety along the Thika Superhighway.
This project is part of a broader national infrastructure program by KeNHA, which includes other ongoing road upgrades and safety enhancements across the country. For instance, KeNHA recently announced another significant traffic disruption on the Njoro-Molo (B129) Road, scheduled for closure from Thursday, October 16, to Thursday, November 6, 2025.
