State revises design for Nairobi expressway to leave out Uhuru Park

In Summary

• The four-lane dual carriageway is to cost Sh61 billion and will run over 27km  from the main airport to the western part of the city.

The Nairobi Expressway will run from Mlolongo in Machakos county to James Gichuru Junction, Nairobi.
The Nairobi Expressway will run from Mlolongo in Machakos county to James Gichuru Junction, Nairobi.
Image: COURTESY

The government has revised the design of an expressway planned to pass through the capital, Nairobi, following a public uproar that the project would hive off parts of a famous recreational park.

The four-lane dual carriageway is to cost Sh61 billion and will run over 27km  from the main airport to the western part of the city.

It is intended to ease the flow of traffic in the city and will be fully funded by a Chinese firm, which will recoup its investment with road tolls.

When President Uhuru Kenyatta launched the project two weeks ago Kenyans were angered by revelations that 1.3 acres (0.5 hectares) would be taken from Uhuru Park for the construction of the highway.

Many saw it as dishonouring the memory of Nobel Prize winner Wangari Maathai, who rose to prominence for her efforts to preserve the park.

The Kenyan National Highways Authority had defended the initial plan, but some were not convinced.

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