KeNHA announces temporary traffic interruptions for road improvement surveys

Motorists travelling on two critical highways connecting Nairobi to western Kenya will face traffic disruptions from Thursday through Sunday, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced.

The affected roads are the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit (A8) Road and the Nairobi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha (A8 South) Road.

The disruptions are necessary to facilitate scheduled interview surveys and data collection aimed at improving road infrastructure and traffic management.

During this period, motorists may be briefly stopped to provide journey details as part of the data-gathering process.

KeNHA specified that the surveys will include Axle Load Surveys, Origin-Destination Surveys, Camera-Based Classified Cross-Sectional Surveys, and counts of turning movements.

KeNHA urged motorists and other road users to cooperate with police and traffic marshals deployed on site to ensure smooth operations and minimise inconvenience.

The Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway is a vital transport corridor linking Nairobi to western Kenya and forms part of the Trans-African Highway and Northern Corridor, facilitating regional trade.

The road is currently undergoing expansion and improvement under the Kenyan government's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme.

The project aims to upgrade the existing A8 road from Rironi to Mau Summit to a dual carriageway, improving safety, reducing congestion, and enhancing transportation efficiency.

The infrastructure project has attracted growing private sector interest.

Multiplex Partners Company Limited recently submitted a bid to join two Chinese firms-China Road and Bridge Corporation (in partnership with the National Social Security Fund) and Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Ltd.-already approved to proceed to the project development phase by the Public-Private Partnership Committee.

KeNHA's ongoing efforts to upgrade these roads align with Kenya Vision 2030 and Medium-Term Plan IV, targeting improved connectivity, safety features, and economic growth through enhanced infrastructure. 

The projects are expected to transform mobility and trade in the region while resulting in job creation and boosting local economies along the corridor.

Motorists are advised to plan for possible delays and follow alternative routes where advised during the survey period to minimise disruption.