Construction of Sh17bn Western Bypass set to start

The planned highway is part of a system of ring roads around Nairobi to disperse traffic away from the city centre.

Representatives of the Kenya National Highway Authority and the China Roads and Bridges Company exchange signed agreements on the construction of the Western Bypass, which is planned as a four-lane highway measuring 16.5km with a design speed of 100 km/hour. PHOTO | COURTESY 

In Summary

• The proposed 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 city centre.
• Two other bypasses — the Northern and Eastern Bypasses in Nairobi — have been completed, with a third, the Nairobi Southern Bypass, nearing completion.

By BRIAN NGUGI
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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 had 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 the 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,” Kenha said in a statement.
The proposed 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 city centre.
Two other bypasses — the Northern and Eastern Bypasses in Nairobi — have been completed, with a third, the Nairobi Southern Bypass, nearing completion.
The 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 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