12-lane highway takes shape

Kenya’s first 12-lane highway has begun to take shape, well on course to be ready for use in 12 months.

The widest section of the Nairobi-Thika highway, between Muthaiga roundabout and Roysambu, just beyond the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, consists of four express lanes on either side as well as two-lane service roads on each side.

Construction on the 50km highway has been going on day and night and the three Chinese contractors are within schedule, according to a senior engineer at the Roads ministry.

The highway, which was mainly necessitated by perennial traffic snarl-ups, has six projects within it that are being worked on simultaneously.

Multiple interviews with engineers at the Ministry of Roads and the contractor, but who are not allowed to give official statements on behalf of the project, also revealed the highway could drive “ordinary matatus” out of the road.

“It is a road that will not accommodate the chaos and traffic indiscipline exhibited by matatu operators,” said the government engineer.

Already, Saturday Nation learnt, a plan is being worked out on how matatus on the highway routes could be phased out and allowed to form a public transport company that will use buses.

Such buses will be at various stages (bus bays) at an interval of five to 10 minutes.

“The owners, who will be shareholders, will be paid as per the kilometre travelled and not number of trips,” says the highly placed engineer.

However, he added, this could take several months after the highway is opened.

Matatus on routes 44, 45, 145, 17B, 25 and 237 will most likely be affected by the changes.