Govt Initiates Plan to Build Nairobi CBD Underpass in New Design

The Kenyan government on Monday, June 12, initiated the construction of an underpass in Nairobi CBD when it invited contractors to bid for the project. 

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) declared through a government publication that the underpass network would be based at the Green Park Terminus, which was originally designed as a drop-off and pickup point for matatus. KeNHA announced that the project was approved after the government allocated resources from the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF), thus moving away from relying solely on borrowing to finance infrastructure.

"The Government of the Republic of Kenya (GoK) through its implementing agency, Kenya National Highways Authority, has set aside funds under the Road Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) to engage a contractor and consulting firm to undertake the Works and Consultancy Services," KeNHA stated. 

Constructing an underpass at the Green Park Terminus would necessitate modifications to the layout around Uhuru Highway, which would involve establishing another tunnel. This new underpass would be advantageous to pedestrians using it as a link between Nairobi CBD and the Terminus, thus helping to reduce the volume of traffic on the roads. Additionally, it will serve hundreds of Nairobi citizens who commute to Upper Hill and its neighbouring areas.

To quicken the development process, the government invited companies to tender for the supervisory work of the underpass system in Nairobi's Central Business District. The Sh250 million pedestrian underpass at Nairobi Green Park is touted to revive the project, which had already received considerable money from the government in an effort to reduce the city's traffic. However, the proposal from Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to shift the matatus to the terminus was met with opposition from high-ranking officials including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. After facing a barrage of criticism, Sakaja suspended the plan and decided to consult other key players in the matter.