Governor Johnson Sakaja has unveiled plans to rehabilitate and construct major roads across the capital. This ambitious initiative comes after a high-level meeting between Sakaja, Roads Cabinet Secretary David Chirchir, Principal Secretary Mbugua, and representatives from key agencies, including the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA), and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
The meeting focused on developing a comprehensive plan to rehabilitate and construct critical roads in Nairobi, particularly in high-traffic areas that have suffered from poor maintenance for years. The roads identified for rehabilitation span both national and county routes, and the collaboration between the various government bodies is expected to ensure the efficient execution of the project.
Sakaja emphasized the importance of cooperation among the national and county agencies to ensure the timely and successful implementation of these roadworks. “Major roads in the city are set for rehabilitation and construction shortly. Some are classified as national while others are county roads, requiring close collaboration with all agencies involved,” Sakaja stated following the meeting. His message reflects the complexity of the project, which requires coordination across multiple layers of government to address Nairobi’s road infrastructure challenges.
Among the roads targeted for improvement are some of the city’s busiest arteries, including those in the Central Business District (CBD) such as Uhuru Highway, Juja Road, and Jogoo Road. Additionally, major roads in neighborhoods such as Westlands, Upper Hill, Kilimani, and Kileleshwa are also part of the rehabilitation plan. These areas are known for heavy traffic, and the planned roadworks aim to reduce congestion and improve connectivity throughout the city.
Many of these projects had stalled under the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) and KURA, leaving residents and commuters grappling with deteriorating road conditions, potholes, poor drainage systems, and gridlocked traffic. Governor Sakaja’s administration is now taking a hands-on approach to revitalize these initiatives, signaling a new direction for Nairobi’s transport sector. The involvement of national and county stakeholders is seen as critical to overcoming previous hurdles, ensuring that projects that stalled are revived and successfully completed.
The rehabilitation plans come at a time when Nairobi’s infrastructure is under intense pressure due to rapid urbanization and a growing population. The city’s roads have long been plagued by potholes, flooding, and traffic jams, which have contributed to longer travel times and increased vehicle wear-and-tear. The project, if successful, will breathe new life into Nairobi’s transportation system, making it more efficient and conducive to business and daily commuting.
The rehabilitation efforts will also focus on improving road drainage, a key concern in Nairobi, where heavy rains often cause flooding, further impeding traffic flow. The Nairobi County Mobility and Works team has been instrumental in the planning and development of the roadworks, ensuring that the projects are tailored to the city’s specific needs. Sakaja’s administration has also pledged to invest in modernizing road infrastructure to meet international standards, making Nairobi a more attractive destination for investment and tourism.
Governor Sakaja’s leadership has placed a strong emphasis on infrastructure development as a key pillar of his administration’s agenda. By prioritizing the rehabilitation and construction of major roads, he is addressing one of the most pressing issues facing Nairobi residents. This initiative not only promises to alleviate traffic congestion but also supports the city’s long-term growth and economic prosperity.
The rehabilitation and construction of these major roads are expected to be rolled out in phases, with some of the most urgent areas seeing progress in the coming months. For Nairobians, this is a welcome relief after years of enduring poor road conditions. As Sakaja noted, “This collaboration will help ensure that both national and county road projects are executed efficiently,” signaling that the future of Nairobi’s infrastructure looks brighter than ever.
With the combined effort of local and national stakeholders, Nairobi is poised to see a transformation in its road network, easing daily commutes and contributing to the overall development of the city.
