Nairobi motorists and commuters should brace for a month-long traffic disruption at the Haile Selassie roundabout on Uhuru Highway, as announced by the Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha). The disruption, set to begin on Monday, March 3, 2025, will run until Monday, April 7, 2025, to facilitate the construction of a pedestrian underpass.
Kenha’s Director General, Eng. Kung’u Ndung’u, confirmed the development, urging road users to adhere to the traffic management plan implemented during this period. “The Kenya National Highways Authority (Kenha) would like to inform the public of a temporary traffic disruption at Haile Selassie Roundabout on Uhuru Highway (A8) Road. This traffic disruption is due to scheduled road works for the construction of a pedestrian underpass at the section,” he stated.
The construction of the underpass is part of a larger initiative aimed at improving pedestrian safety and easing traffic congestion in Nairobi’s central business district (CBD). The Greenpark Terminus Pedestrian Underpass Network, which spans the Uhuru Highway-Haile Selassie intersection, is being developed at a cost of KSh 2 billion. The project is under the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and is expected to facilitate safer pedestrian movement, particularly for those commuting to and from Upper Hill and other nearby areas.
Once completed, the underpass will eliminate the need for pedestrians to cross the busy highway, reducing accidents and ensuring smooth traffic flow. The project, which began in 2024, aligns with the government’s efforts to modernize Nairobi’s transport infrastructure.
In addition to improving pedestrian mobility, the underpass will incorporate key security measures. Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua assured the public that the facility would be well-secured, with police monitoring it round the clock. “One of the things that we need to appreciate is that on this specific one, we have even enhanced social matters. There will be shops underneath that will also accommodate people to do business, even late at night,” Mbugua explained.
The integration of shops within the underpass is expected to enhance security by attracting more commercial activity, which in turn will ensure a continuous presence of people and law enforcement officers. This approach aims to deter criminal activity and create a safer environment for pedestrians.
To minimize disruptions, Kenha has advised motorists to strictly follow the designated traffic management plans and cooperate with traffic marshals and law enforcement officers on-site. The authority remains committed to ensuring a smooth flow of traffic and minimal inconvenience to road users.
As Nairobi continues to expand its infrastructure to accommodate growing urban demands, projects like this underpass play a critical role in enhancing mobility and security. While the month-long disruption may cause temporary inconvenience, the long-term benefits of improved pedestrian safety and reduced congestion will be significant.
