The government, in collaboration with Japan International Co-operation Agency, has stepped up efforts to ease Nairobi traffic with plans to construct an overpass linking the Industrial Area to the city centre.
The two-kilometer overpass will pass over the railway yard at the Nairobi Railway station and displace hundreds of traders at Wakulima Market.
Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) acting director general Silas Kinoti said the project was identified in the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan 2030 as a priority project to reduce traffic congestion within city centre and divert traffic from Mombasa Road.
“This viaduct will link Enterprise Road to the Nairobi central business district.”
“At the same time it is intended to go a long way in expanding the CBD as well as alter permanently the Nairobi city centre landscape and give it a modern look,” said Kinoti in a statement on Tuesday.
Kinoti said several studies have been conducted in compliance with relevant Kenyan laws and JICA environmental and social safeguard guidelines.
“Feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessment and ongoing resettlement action plan (RAP) are being conducted by a JICA commissioned study team,” added Kinoti.
“So far, several consultative meetings …have been held with stakeholders including the Muthurwa Estate residents as part of the ongoing RAP process.”
The Kura boss said Muthurwa Estate was identified as an alternative site for relocation of Wakulima market during consultations with various stakeholders including representatives of the Wakulima market traders, Nairobi City County government, Kenya Railways Staff Retirement Benefits Scheme (KRSRBS) and Kura.
“The Project planning and study activities are part of an ongoing process that will give recommendations and inform stakeholders including the government of Kenya and JICA on the project’s viability,” he said.
Works on the bridge are expected to start once feasibility studies are done.
Here’s an artistic impression of the overpass.
Photo Courtesy
