Nairobi Expressway lower decker set for new facelift after Sh3billion payout
In 2023, Shovels N Trowels Limited was contracted to repair the section that starts from James Gichuru road junction to Olesereni to the tune of Sh1.19billion. Wolf Paving Works Kenya Limited on the other hand was to repair the section that starts from Olesereni to Athi River at a cost Sh1.86 billion.
Braely two years after two Kenyan companies were awarded contracts and paid Sh3billion to rehabilitate the lower section of the 27-kilometre Nairobi Expressway Road damaged during the construction of the double-decker road, yesterday, during the 62nd Jamuhuri Day celebrations edition at Nyayo Stadium, President William Ruto said the section between ABC to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will undergo fresh facelift.
“I would wish to announce because the Nairobi Expressway is complete and motorists are using the upper decker, the lower decker is faulty. That is why starting this December as you proceed for Christmas, we will build it afresh from JKIA to ABC and do some beautification as well…loosely translated (Ningependa kutangaza kwa sababu Barabara ya Expressway imekamilika na wananchi wanatumia pale juu, barabara ya chini ikon a matatizo. Na ndio sababu kuanzia hii December mkienda Krismasi, tutajenga upya barabara kutoka kule JKIA mpaka kule ABC na tuifanyie beautification),” the president noted.
The made the remarks as he outlined other ongoing and scheduled road construction works within the Nairobi metropolis.
In 2023, Shovels N Trowels Limited was contracted to repair the section that starts from James Gichuru road junction to Olesereni to the tune of Sh1.19billion.
Wolf Paving Works Kenya Limited on the other hand was to repair the section that starts from Olesereni to Athi River at a cost Sh1.86 billion.
In April 2023, serving as the then Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary, Kipchumba Murkomen now heading Interior docket said the rehabilitation of Mombasa Road was set to begin the same month and end in April, 2025, which, as it stands, lapsed eight months ago.
Murkomen confirmed the tenders have already been awarded at a cost of Sh3.1 billion.
“The rehabilitation works are scheduled to commence on April 26, and is anticipated to be completed by April 25, 2025,” Murkomen told Parliament.
He was responding to a question by Mwingi Central MP Gideon Mulyungi who wanted to know when the renovation works will start on the road affected during the construction of the Nairobi Expressway.
According to the CS, the contract for the Nairobi Southern bypass interchange (Ole Sereni-Athi River Interchange (A8 ) stretch has been awarded to M/S Wolf Paving Works Kenya Limited for Sh1.86 billion.
The maintenance of James Gichuru road junction-Nairobi Southern bypass interchange (Ole Sereni (A8) Road, Murkomen added, will be done by M/s Shovels N trowels limited to Sh1.19 billion.
The 27-kilometre Expressway was constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) for Sh72.8 billion. Construction started in 2019.
Meanwhile, President Ruto also led Kenyans in observing a minute of silence in honour of the late former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium.
“I now respectfully urge all of us to join me in observing one minute of silence in honour and remembrance of the Rt Hon Raila Amolo Odinga, and honour his sacrifice, service and enduring legacy. May his spirit continue to guide our nation forward,” Ruto told the crowd as they obliged.
Ruto also promised to rename the soon-to-be-completed Talanta Stadium in honour of opposition leader Raila following appeal by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Sakaja had earlier set the stage at Nyayo Stadium when he publicly urged the Head of State to christen the new facility Raila Odinga International Stadium, describing it as a fitting tribute to the statesman’s long-standing contributions to Kenya’s political and democratic evolution.
Responding to the appeal during his national address at the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations, President Ruto acknowledged the Governor’s request and assured Kenyans that the proposal would be honoured once the stadium is complete.
At the same time, the Kenya Army’s elite 20th Parachute Battalion (20 Para) took centre stage during the celebrations as President Ruto presided over the Trooping of the Colours, the highlight of the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Trooping of the Colour is a prestigious military ritual in which flags bearing a battalion’s battle honours are ceremoniously marched and saluted.
The tradition symbolises loyalty, service and sacrifice, both within the military and to the nation.
The event marked a major milestone for the 20 Para Battalion, which received its regimental flag, signifying its status as a fully-fledged battalion of the KDF. Receiving colours is one of the highest honours bestowed on a military unit.
The ceremony kicked off with the President inspecting a Guard of Honour mounted by a joint parade of the Kenya Army, Kenya Air Force, and Kenya Navy, accompanied by the KDF Band and senior military leadership, including Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri
