Kenya Seeks a Sh38.3 Billion Loan from China to Dual Kiambu Road

Kenya is seeking a $286.1 million (Sh38.3 billion) loan from China to upgrade Kiambu Road into a dual carriageway.

Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua said the project will be funded by the Kenyan government in partnership with China through the China Exim Bank.

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) has already entered into a memorandum of understanding with M/s Sinohydro Corporation Limited of China for the dualling of the 25-kilometer road.

Appearing before the National Assembly’s Transport Committee, Mbugua said the multi-billion-shilling project will be executed under the Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) framework.

 “The concept notes, feasibility studies, preliminary engineering designs, and Environmental impact assessment have been completed and submitted to the National Treasury which has granted Kura the approval to proceed with the project preparation within the existing legal and regulatory framework,” Mbugua stated.

He further noted that the Ministry of Road has written to the Treasury requesting consideration and allocation of funds to the project as it finalizes the preparatory activities.

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

The dualling of Kiambu Road is expected to ease the heavy traffic congestion witnessed along the 25-kilometer stretch, especially during rush hours.

Kiambu Road, which cuts through Muthaiga Kiambu and Ndumberi, feeds traffic in and out of the populous Nairobi and Kiambu counties.