Major Expansion Planned for 25.5km Kiambu Road to Ease Nairobi Traffic

The long-awaited dualling of the 25.5-kilometre Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi road, commonly known as Kiambu Road, is set to significantly ease traffic congestion between Nairobi and Kiambu counties

According to a dispatch issued on Tuesday, the project will transform the existing two-lane single carriageway into a four-lane dual carriageway. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), which is overseeing the project, stated that the expansion will include two-lane service roads and pedestrian walkways on both sides

The ambitious plan also features the construction of several new bridges, including the Muthaiga Golf Club Spur, Mua Road Overpass, DCI Overpass, Coffee Garden U-turn, Tala Road Overpass Bridge, Ridgeways U-turn Underpass Bridge, Runda U-turn, and Kirigiti Junction Bridge

Three major interchanges are also planned at Kamiti Road, Banana Road, and the Northern Bypass, alongside six pedestrian footbridges strategically placed along the road to enhance safety

The main trunk of the road will link Muthaiga to Kirigiti Junction, Kiambu Town, and Ndumberi–Sasini. Additional bypasses are set for Githunguri–Sasini–Boma Road and Riabai–Kiriguini B Road

Spur roads will branch off from Ridgeways to Thika Road (Roasters), Evergreen–UN Avenue through Runda, Wambui Road, Muthaiga North, Mua Park Road, and other key access routes

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KeNHA had earlier invited contractors to bid for the project, but has not yet announced the successful applicant after the tender window closed on August 22, 2025

Applicants were required to prove both technical and financial capability, including an annual construction turnover of at least Ksh.32.2 billion over the last five years

The government confirmed it had secured financing commitments from the China Export-Import (EXIM) Bank to fund the project, pending finalization of a commercial contract.

However, the tender process was temporarily halted after public outcry over restrictions that appeared to favor Chinese firms, a move critics said contravened Kenya’s Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, which prioritizes local contractors

The project, once underway, is expected to drastically improve connectivity, reduce travel times, and boost economic activity between Nairobi and Kiambu

Writer : Mweru Mbugua