Outering Road, which is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Nairobi, is set to undergo major improvements following the government’s plan to construct a 10km dedicated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 5 for motorists.
In a notice dated Tuesday, February 11, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director General Silas Kinoti revealed the government had received a Ksh7.6 billion loan from Korea’s Export-Import bank for the construction of the transit lane.
While inviting bidders for the construction of the lane, the KURA boss said that the highway will feature BRT stations and new footbridges with a modification of the existing ones.
The new road will also feature new streetlights and a modern drainage system that will also be included in the existing Outering road and the installation of electromechanical works.
Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director General Silas Kinoti at a meeting on November 9, 2023.
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KURA
Other key aspects announced under the plan include the incorporation of electric vehicles with charging points and vehicle maintenance stations.
The modern highway is set to address some of the critical traffic challenges including persistent gridlock, and carbon emissions and enhance the safety of other road users.
Additionally, buses operating along the road will be fitted with advanced technology including vehicle tracking and surveillance systems to ensure compliance with traffic regulations.
Construction of the BRT line has been scheduled to start this year and be completed within the next two years. The construction will be presided over by Korean companies jointly with local firms.
In 2022, the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority announced the construction of five BRT corridors connecting Nairobi, Machakos, Kajiado, Kiambu and Murang’a. Despite the launch of the project, it stalled due to financial issues.
The first BRT line was expected to be a 20km highway running from Waiyaki Way to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), to ease traffic along Mombasa Road.
Meanwhile, the second BRT line would be a 31 km road running from Lang’ata connecting to Ngong, Juja, Komarock to Ruiru through Karibobangi, Dandora and Gikomba Market.
Line 3 of the BRT project was set to run from Githurai town through Thika Road, to the Nairobi CBD at Moi Avenue and the Kenyatta Hospital.
Vehicles plying through the Thika Superhighway in Nairobi on March 6, 2020.
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KENHA