Construction of key Sh17bn bypass to decongest city set to begin

A section of Southern Bypass in Nairobi that when it was under construction. The Nairobi Western Bypass will connect with the Southern Bypass at Gitaru, and the Northern Bypass at Ruaka. FILE PHOTO | EVANS HABIL |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

By BRIAN NGUGI, bnjoroge@ke.nationmedia.com

In Summary

• The proposed Nairobi Western Bypass has been identified as a link necessary for the completion of a system of ring roads around Nairobi City to disperse traffic away from the Nairobi Central Business District.
• Two other Bypasses; the Northern and Eastern Bypasses in Nairobi, are complete with a third - the Nairobi Southern Bypass - nearing completion.

The government has announced the start of construction works for the Nairobi Western bypass aimed at reducing traffic congestion in the capital.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) said Thursday it has signed an agreement with the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) to carry out feasibility studies and designs for the development of the bypass as a high capacity expressway, paving way for its construction.

“The Nairobi Western Bypass project will be implemented as an Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract (EPC). The total EPC cost estimate is Sh17.3 billion and will be funded through a concessionary loan from the Government of China,” said State roads agency in a statement.

The proposed Nairobi Western Bypass has been identified as a link necessary for the completion of a system of ring roads around Nairobi City to disperse traffic away from the Nairobi Central Business District.

Two other Bypasses; the Northern and Eastern Bypasses in Nairobi, are complete with a third - the Nairobi Southern Bypass - nearing completion.

The Nairobi Western Bypass is planned as a four lane Highway measuring 16.5km with a design speed of 100 km/hour. It will connect with the Nairobi Southern Bypass at Gitaru, and the Northern Bypass at Ruaka.

It will involve construction of interchanges and overpasses at major junctions at Wangige, Kihara, Ndenderu and Ruaka.