Nairobi-Kiambu Road Expansion Approved Amid Funding and Traffic Concerns
Kenya’s Cabinet delivered a major boost to the country’s transport infrastructure on November 11, 2025, by officially approving the expansion of the 23.5-kilometer Muthaiga-Kiambu-Ndumberi road. This ambitious project is designed to transform the route into a four-lane dual carriageway, directly targeting the crippling traffic congestion that routinely paralyzes movement between the capital, Nairobi, and the fast-growing Kiambu County.
The road expansion represents a significant financial commitment, costing an estimated Sh38.7 billion. This substantial investment will be realized through a loan secured from the Export-Import Bank of China, underscoring the ongoing partnership between Beijing and Nairobi on large-scale infrastructure projects. Beyond just widening the road, the comprehensive design includes multiple bypasses, the construction of new bridges, and the integration of dedicated non-motorized transport (NMT) lanes to ensure safety and improved mobility for all users, including pedestrians and cyclists.
A critical hurdle overcome during the approval process involved minimizing the environmental footprint on the protected Karura Forest. The project plans were carefully adjusted to adhere to a recent court ruling, strictly limiting forest encroachment to a negligible 0.1233 hectares.
Despite the clear benefits of improved mobility, the project has sparked a vigorous public discussion. While there is general support for alleviating traffic woes, the government faces intensified scrutiny regarding budget transparency and the efficient use of the Chinese loan funds. Additionally, urban planning experts and commuters are voicing concern that without seamless integration into Nairobi’s wider road network, the new dual carriageway might simply shift the current traffic jams, leading to new bottlenecks at key intersections rather than providing a lasting solution. The successful execution and long-term impact of the project will depend heavily on addressing these integration and fiscal concerns.
