State-owned KeNHA has been approved to use only 0.1233 hectares of Karura forest for their ambitious Kiambu road expansion. The entity had request to acquire the forest land to facilitate the road project as licensed to KeNHA by the Kenya Forest Services. The ruling issued was revealed by the Green Belt Movement (GBM). It was among the conservationists, civil society groups, and residents who opposed the encroachment of Karura Forest.
The forest is only one of the few green spaces located in the country’s capital city, Nairobi. Earlier before the verdict, KeNHA had been approved to use 51.64 acres of the forest for the road expansion by Kenya Forest Services. Green Belt also reported that two special user licenses issued by KFS in the forest were also revoked. The main reason noted for this was lack of public participation. The ruling follows an update on a temporary injunction that had blocked the government from encroaching on the forest in December 2024.
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Kenya’s State-Owned KeNHA Announces Updates on the 749-Kilometer Isiolo-Mandera Road Project
The Scope of Implementation on the Kiambu Road Expansion Project
The scope of implementation on the Kiambu road expansion project aims to expand the road from a two-lane single carriageway to a four-lane dual highway. Furthermore, it aims to include two service lanes on both sides. KeNHA has already invited eligible Chinese contractors to submit prequalification applications for the road infrastructure project. The project will cover Pangani – Muthaiga – Kiambu – Ndumberi (B32) Road and the Adjacent Road Network. Furthermore, it will be financed through a loan from the China Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
KeNHA has invited applications for prequalification from eligible Chinese firms under Tender No. KeNHA/2889/2025. The deadline for submission to those interested has been set for August 22, 2025. According to KeNHA, the project will significantly improve traffic flow along the eastern part of the Nairobi Metropolitan area. It targets key corridors including parts of Kiambu Road and the Thika Superhighway. “The project will also improve the level of service and safety for road users and enhance accessibility through service roads and non-motorised transport facilities,” KeNHA stated.
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Kenya’s State-Owned KeNHA Announces Updates on the 749-Kilometer Isiolo-Mandera Road Project
