Kenya’s government has completed the construction of the much anticipated $47.8 million Athi River-Machakos dual carriageway. The project is expected to finally ease traffic congestion along the busy stretch and spark a wave of business growth. This comes after the contractor officially handed over the road to the Kenya National Highway Authority (KeNHA). The 20-kilometer road is an extension of the Mombasa Road dual carriageway that is notorious for traffic jams. Moreover, the frequent accidents also prompted the road to be commissioned in 2017.
It was co-funded by the World Bank and the Government of Kenya on a 60:40 basis. “We have handed the infrastructure to the government. It’s of high quality and only requires routine maintenance,” said Li Zhengxin, the firm’s external relations manager, during an inspection. The construction progress stalled in 2019 after a dispute between contractor and 76 business owners. The main reason that sparked the delay was over dispute on compensation. This is despite the National Land Commission (NLC) gazetting affected persons in 2018 and recommending their compensation after land valuation. The road project is one of the many in Kenya that faces similar setbacks such as the Mombasa-Kwa Jomvu road project which has currently stalled.
The State of Affairs Regarding the Athi River-Machakos Dual Carriageway
Despite the setbacks that the Athi River-Machakos dual carriageway has faced, its completion is of monumental significance. Factors such as the Covid-19 pandemic further slowed construction, leaving only 13 kilometers complete at the time. Nonetheless, the road was redesigned to include three interchanges. These include Green Park Estate, Daystar University junction, and Mua-as well as two flyovers. Both the Athi River and Stone Athi River bridges were also elevated to withstand floods. Moreover, the road’s slopes were landscaped to prevent erosion and improve aesthetics.
“Land acquisition challenges and the pandemic delayed us for years. But the completion of this dual carriageway will spur economic growth and ease transport along one of the country’s most critical arteries,” said China Railways 21st Bureau Group Project Manager Du Renwei. Renwei also noted the use of flyovers instead of roundabouts will ease traffic flow and allow safe animal crossing. The road will also be able to accommodate heavy trailers without sharp bends. A spot check showed rapid business expansion along the new road. Major eateries have set up outlets, new residential estates are springing up and commercial buildings are on the rise.
