Construction of the Western Bypass project is set to be completed by December. Transport Cabinet Secretary James Macharia made the announcement and said that the remaining works will be cleared in the next five months.
The bypass project kicks off in Gitaru, Kiambu County connecting the Southern bypass in Kikuyu town and will terminate in Ruaka connecting the Northern bypass. It will will have a four lane expressway with a total length of 16.79Km and seven interchanges at Lower Kabete, Gitaru, Ndenderu, Ruaka, Wanginge, Rumingi and Kihara. The Western Bypass will have eleven traffic bridges and pedestrian underpasses on the entire length.
China Road and Bridge Corporation (K) was contracted in April 2017 by the Government of Kenya through the Implementing agency, the Director General, Kenya National Highway Authority to carry out design and construction of the western by-pass Road.
Upon completion, the project is expected to ease traffic congestion around Nairobi City, ensure rapid economic growth around the areas near the road, Improve safety for pedestrians and other non-motorized road users and ensure a smooth flow of traffic in the area.
Moreover, there will be the construction of a bus park at Wangige which will also enhance public transport efficiency and ensure that traffic congestion and interruptions occasioned by public transport vehicles are reduced. Provision of adequate bus bays at all the major existing commercial centers and settlement areas will be provided.
Compensation delays
The Nairobi Western bypass road is being funded by China Exim Bank and Government of Kenya. The project was awarded at a cost of Sh 17 billion and physical commencement was 2019. 464 people and properties which will be affected by the ongoing construction have been listed for compensation. The number of those to be compensated was arrived at following verification of ownership documents by the National Land Commission (NLC) in consultation with relevant line departments.
“Persons Affected by the Project (PAPs) have been identified and gazetted for acquisition. By the end of December 2020, Kenya Power had relocated 93 per cent of the power lines in Section I, 85% in section II and 35% in section III. The unavailability of land for relocating power mains is the major reason relocation work was not completed by the end of December 2020,” said Eric Yu.
