Rampant flooding exposes sorry state of Nairobi Expressway lower section despite Sh3billion repairs
Recent flooding occasioned by heavy downpour left motorists and other road users stranded on the particularly along Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Waiyaki Way despite the repairs some which are still incomplete
Despite assurances by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) that the lower section of the 27 kilometer stretch of the Nairobi Expressway rehabilitation would be done by April last year, one year later, some parts of the road remain unfinished, posing a hazardous effect to motorists and other road users.
Recent flooding occasioned by heavy downpour left motorists and other road users stranded on the particularly along Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway, Waiyaki Way despite the repairs some which are still incomplete.
Two Kenya companies; Shovels and Trowels Limited and Wolf Paving Kenya Limited won the Sh3 billion tender to rehabilitate the lower section of Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way that was damaged during the construction of the Nairobi Expressway.
The Ministry of Roads and Transport had indicated that the rehabilitation costs of the three roads, Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way was part of the entire project.
However, later, KeNHA awarded the two contracts separately.
During construction of the Nairobi Expressway, the old road was damaged as the contractor had to do piling.
The Ministry of Transport had indicated that upon completion of the upper deck, the contractor would restore the old road and leave it better than they found it.
A recent observation by the Motorist Association of Kenya highlighted the challenges citing lack of proper drainage as a major cause.
“This week we are discussing the Nairobi Expressway effect. The Nairobi Expressway’s construction was poorly planned, disrupting the entire road network. It lacks proper drainage, reduces the lower deck to ewer lanes, causes frequent traffic jams, and leaves no room for future expansion. A metro system would have been a better alternative, or at the very least, a Thika Road-style freeway to ensure accessibility for all.” The association said.
Shovels and Trowels Limited was awarded a Sh1.9billion contract to rehabilitate the damaged part from James Gichuru Junction to Emara Ole Sereni along Mombasa Road.
The second tender was awarded to Wolf Paving Kenya Limited at a cost of Sh1.86billion to repair sections between Ole Sereni Hotel and Athi River.
According to official records, Wolf Paving Kenya Limited is owned by Cynthia Wanjiru who holds 300 shares and Dennis Nyamu, who holds the remaining 700 shares.
On the other hand, Shovels and Trowels Limited is solely owned by Yvonne Chepkirui Kones.
Sections of the Mombasa Road have been left incomplete with a gaping tunnel near the Airtel building posing significant hazards to motorists.
The stretch from Waiyaki Way to Uhuru Highway also remains unfinished posing a major challenge to road users.
The construction of the 27.4-kilometre highway chipped away some lanes of these highways, leaving narrower roads that have been characterised by high-traffic gridlock.
The scope of work on the old road involved to fix the drainage system, erecting a bus rapid transport system on the road, and fixing pedestrian walkways.
The design also included erecting modern lighting system and carpeting of the old road.
In 2023, Kenyans expressed outrage following revelations that taxpayers will fund the rehabilitation of the road network.
Moja Expressway will operate the toll road for 27 years before handing it over to KeNHA.
Motorists pay between Sh120 and Sh1, 800 to use the 27.1km road depending on the size of their vehicles and the distance they will cover, according to the April 22 issue of Kenya Gazette.
The delay comes even as a whistleblower previously last year wrote to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) alleging that the two companies (Shovels and Trowels and Wolf Paving Kenya) did not meet the technical requirements necessary for the projects.
In the letter, the whistleblower alleged that a senior KeNHA director, serving as chair of the tender evaluation committee controversially approved the bids.
Although the EACC acknowledged receipt of the whistleblower’s letter, it has yet to confirm any active investigation into the alleged irregularities.
When contacted for comment by The Informer Media Group, KeNHA Director General Kung’u Ndung’u, by the time of going to broadcast, the DG had not replied to our calls and short text messages.
Between 2023 and 2027, the Kenya Kwanza administration set a strategic plan to utilise Sh394billion for the repair and rehabilitation of major highways across the country.
