Infrastructure

Kenya, China Ink Sh37bn Deal for Kiambu Road Project

Money will aid conversion of Kiambu Road into a dual carriageway.

Updated on

April 14, 2023

Road construction — Machinery at a road construction site. PHOTO | FILE

Kenya has signed a Sh37.2 billion ($286.1 million) loan deal with China to finance the conversion of Kiambu Road into a dual carriageway to ease traffic congestion.

According to Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua, the Kenyan government – through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura), has entered into a deal with Chinese firm Sinohydro Corporation Limited for execution of the Kiambu Road dualling project.

Mr Mbugua on Thursday said the project will be executed under Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) framework – a construction model where a contractor agrees to engineer, procure, and construct a specified structure.

“The concept notes, feasibility studies, preliminary engineering designs, and environmental impact assessment have been submitted to the National Treasury which has granted Kura the approval to proceed with the project,” Mr Mbugua told Parliament’s Transport Committee.

He added that the project would be funded by the Kenyan government in partnership with China through the China Exim Bank.

The 25km road, which passes through Muthaiga-Kiambu-Ndumberi is estimated to cost $286.1 million (Sh37.2 billion) which includes $55.26 million (Sh7.2 billion) for land acquisition and relocation of services.

The ministry of Roads and Transport has written to the National Treasury requesting allocation of funds for execution of the project’s preparatory activities.

The construction schedule for the project is yet to be determined.

“The timelines on implementation of the plans will be determined once the requisite legal regulatory and funding approval clearances are completed,” Mr Mbugua told MPs.

The dualling of Kiambu Road is expected to ease the endless traffic jams experienced along the busy road especially during the rush hours.