Construction of the Ngong road bridge project is set for early completion as noted by the Ministry of Roads. The Ministry projects that the project will be completed by July 2026, more than a year earlier than initially planned. At the same time, the Kenyatta Avenue viaduct, which had stalled for over three years, has now resumed. The resumption is accredited to the funds unlocked through the government’s road securitization program. Once completed, the Ngong Road Bridge is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion.
Furthermore, it is expected to reduce travel time along the corridor for thousands of motorists using the route daily. It also forms part of a larger plan to improve access to Talanta Stadium. The stadium is under construction along the same route and will host major national and sporting events. The contracted engineer has noted that the main aim by the end of the year is to lift up the steel modules that are already preassembled. Furthermore, they aim to complete initial works on the ground level by the end of the year as well. Once done, the project will compliment other road projects such as Africa’s largest highway project, the Nairobi-Mombasa Usahihi Expressway project. The monumental road project is taking shape as UK-based Turner & Townsend joins the consortium responsible for the project, Everstrong Capital and state-owned Kenya National Highways Authority.
Project Factsheet
Significance:
◦ Project set for early completion by July 2026, one year ahead of schedule.
◦ Aims to ease traffic congestion and reduce travel time along Ngong Road.
◦ Enhances access to Talanta Stadium, a major upcoming national venue.
◦ Supports Nairobi’s broader mobility and urban infrastructure goals.
Infrastructure:
◦ Bridge being built preassembled steel modules for faster installation.
◦ Also includes upgrades along Ngong Road and Kenyatta Avenue.
◦ Kenyatta Avenue viaduct resumed after three-year delay.
Developer/Consortium:
◦ Implemented by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
◦ Also funded through a concessional loan from the Spanish government.
◦ Viaduct project fully financed by the Government of Kenya.
Funding/Timeline:
◦ Estimated cost: $20 million for bridge, $23 million for viaduct.
◦ Original contract cut from 36 to 24 months through coordination.
◦ Bridge completion targeted for July 2026. On the other hand, viaduct by May 2027.
◦ Financed under the road securitization program to revive stalled works.
The Scope of Implementation on the Ngong Road Bridge Project
KURA director general, Engineer Silas Kinoti noted his insights regarding the Ngong Road Bridge project. He noted that the project is funded by the Spanish government through a concessional loan. Furthermore, he noted that the loan is repayable over a period of 55 years highlighting long-term cooperation between Kenya and Spain. “We are targeting to finish by July next year. The initial contract period was 36 months. However, due to coordination with the contractor we have been able to reduce the contract period by 1 year,” Kinoti noted.
During a tour of ongoing works along Kenyatta Avenue, engineer Kinoti noted the viaduct was among several critical road works. The works on the viaduct was revived through securitization of the road maintenance levy fund. The approach is an innovative financing model that allows the government to raise funds to clear pending bills. The $23 million viaduct project is fully funded by the government of Kenya. Furthermore, it is expected to be completed by May 2027. Once done, the viaduct will provide a seamless link to the Upper Hill area and ease congestion within Nairobi’s CBD.
