Kenya’s Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen, has announced that the Nairobi Expressway’s exit into the Central Business District (CBD) is on track for completion by mid-January. This development comes as Murkomen inspected the construction progress of the new Nairobi Expressway Exit Plaza at Greenpark, adjacent to Uhuru Park.
The upcoming toll point, featuring five lanes, is anticipated to play a pivotal role in alleviating traffic gridlock and enhancing the smooth flow of vehicles into the city center. Moreover, plans are underway to expand the current three lanes at the Museum Hill Exit by an additional two lanes.
Emphasizing the transformative impact of the Nairobi Expressway, Murkomen highlighted its role as a prime example of the efficacy of Public-Private Partnerships. Notably, he underscored that the expressway has significantly slashed travel time from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Nairobi, plummeting from a two-hour commute to a mere 20 minutes, all at zero cost to taxpayers.
The CS also lauded the project’s contribution to employment, disclosing that it generated job opportunities for 6,000 individuals during its construction phase, along with the creation of 500 permanent positions. Additionally, the implementation of the E-Ticket system has garnered substantial traction, with 200,000 subscribers registered within 19 months. Furthermore, the expressway has efficiently catered to the transit needs, having facilitated the passage of 26 million vehicles, thus substantiating its demand and utility.
Beyond its socioeconomic benefits, Murkomen accentuated the Nairobi Expressway’s role as a catalyst for technological transfer to Kenya. The incorporation of a state-of-the-art smart traffic monitoring system, providing a comprehensive 360-degree view of the entire road, has not only bolstered security measures but also fortified emergency response mechanisms.
Looking ahead, Murkomen unveiled the government’s contemplation of dualizing the Rironi-Mau Summit road, earmarked to commence in 2024. Expressing gratitude, he acknowledged the pivotal role of the People’s Republic of China and its companies in investing through the Public-Private Partnership program, thus mitigating the financial burden on the country.
In conclusion, the forthcoming completion of the Nairobi Expressway’s CBD exit stands as a testament to Kenya’s commitment toward modern infrastructural development and economic progress.
