Kenya plans to secure a Ksh 38.3 billion loan from China to convert the congested 25-kilometer Kiambu Road into a dual carriageway. The conversion will involve moving car yards to the sides of the road to ease congestion in the Muthaiga-Kiambu-Ndumberi region.
The dual carriageway is expected to cost USD 286.1 million, including USD 55.26 million for land acquisition and relocation of services. Kenya’s Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua confirmed that the project would be financed by the Kenyan government in collaboration with China through the China Exim Bank.
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Under the Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) framework, the Kenyan Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has signed a memorandum of understanding with M/s Sinohydro Corporation Limited of China for the execution of the project. The concept notes, feasibility studies, preliminary engineering designs, and environmental impact assessment have been completed and submitted to the National Treasury.
The KURA has been granted permission to continue with the project preparation within the legal and regulatory framework. The ministry has requested consideration and allocation of funds to the project as it finalizes the preparatory activities. Once the requisite legal, regulatory, and funding approval clearances are completed, the implementation timelines of the project will be determined.
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The conversion of Kiambu Road to a dual carriageway will provide commuters with a significant relief from the heavy traffic jams experienced on the road. Motorists face a difficult time on the road that feeds into and out of the populous Nairobi and Kiambu counties, particularly during peak hours. The initiative will improve the accessibility of goods and services from Nairobi and reduce the costs of doing business in the region.
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