Nairobi Expressway Has Not Been Opened For Public, KeNHA

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) on Monday night dismissed some fake reports on social media that the Nairobi expressway is ready for trial, adding that the trial dates will be announced officially by the agency upon completion.

“Contrary to speculative information circulating in some social media platforms, this is to notify the public that the Nairobi Expressway is not yet open to traffic,’’

“As the contractor nears completion, and in preparation for the eventual opening of the Road to the public, there will be guided trials to test the operations of the system that has been installed. Being a key road that is expected to decongest the City, the Authority shall inform the public in advance but at an appropriate time on arrangements to open the road to the public,’’ KeNHA said on their official Facebook page.

KeNHA communications representative Sam Kumba clarified that the videos of motorists using the multi-billion-shilling road that went viral on social media over the weekend were contractors clearing the site. He added that the road is nearing completion and should be ready for use by early April.

KeNHA has warned motorists against using the 27.1 expressway project adding that anyone caught will face trespassing charges.

“Anyone found driving within or accessing the Nairobi Expressway route before the official launch will be TRESPASSING and will therefore be reported to the authorities,’’ read a notice issued on Monday.

The multi-billion-road which runs from Mlolongo through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Westland’s area along Waiyaki Way is expected to play a key role in decongesting the city, boosting the economy of the country by saving millions of shillings lost in traffic every year.

The road will also ease movement in and out of the country which will in turn help in boosting the hospitality industry considering the reduced travel times and easy connectivity.

The road which is constructed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) includes a 2.5-meter emergency lane on the outer shoulder of either carriageway that will be used by emergency response vehicles to respond to emergencies in the shortest time possible.

At the moment, the contractor is taking the beautification of President Kenyatta’s legacy project, with the government noting that the toll stations are 99 percent complete.

Thousands of people have been employed since its construction commenced in July 2020.

The Nairobi expressway is the first expressway built in East and Central Africa and the second largest toll road in Africa after the Dakar Toll Highway in Senegal.