[PHOTOS] Nairobi Expressway now open for public use

Transport CS James Macharia was accompanied by IG Hillary Mutyambai on Saturday during opening of the Nairobi Expressway for public use.

Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the Nairobi expressway will be operational for use from May 14.

Speaking on Sunday during the City Marathon, Uhuru said the expressway will be open for trial.

“We will allow Kenyans to use the expressway so that we see the loopholes that exist before we officially launch it,” he said.

Motorists intending to use the Nairobi Expressway can register their vehicles at Lavington or along Mombasa Road.

Moja Expressway, a subsidiary of China Road and Bridge Corporation, will operate the road for 27 years to recoup the money through toll fees.

The corporation is responsible for designing, financing and building the expressway, and will operate it during the concession period.

Once the motorists reach the centres, they have a choice to select the type of service they want: Manual Toll Collection or Electronic Toll Collection.

The Nairobi Expressway is expected to significantly decongest Mombasa Road and reduce travel time between Mlolongo and Westlands to an average of 15 minutes, according to State House.