The Cabinet has approved the dualling of Nairobi’s remaining single carriageway, the Northern Bypass.
The improvement of the 20.2km road which runs from Western Bypass in Ruaka and connects to Ruiru on the Eastern Bypass is expected to reduce traffic congestion and accommodate growing capacity.
According to the plan endorsed by the Cabinet on Tuesday, the project will include the construction of eight interchanges, overpasses, and underpasses, as well as the development of non-motorised transport facilities, including walkways and cycle paths, improved drainage systems, and enhancements to adjacent roads.
Roads ministry through the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is now expected to commence plans of implementing the multi billion shillings project.
“It experiences heavy congestion during peak hours, leading to travel delays, higher transport costs, increased pollution, and reduced productivity. The upgrade is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and boost access to economic hubs, industrial zones, and essential services in Nairobi and Kiambu counties,” read a statement from State House.
Cabinet also gave the green light to implement the Nairobi Railway City Central Station and Public Realm Project which are designed to decongest Nairobi and revitalise the Central Business District.
The project infrastructure project seeks to modernise the old Central Station into a state-of-the-art, multi-modal transport hub.
The new station will feature nine platforms and improved access bridges, allowing for the efficient evacuation of up to 30,000 people per hour.
This is expected to sustain passenger demand which is projected to rise to 400,000 daily by 2030 and 600,000 by 2045.
Additionally, the surrounding public realm improvements will unlock underutilised land, spur economic activity, and increase foot traffic into the city centre.
“ The project is backed by secured funding for key transport links, including BRT Line 3, several commuter rail lines, and a Standard Gauge Railway connection to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.”
Cabinet back the project to drive job creation, urban regeneration, and sustainable growth, establishing the station as Nairobi’s premier transport interchange and a symbol of the city’s future urban vision.
