KeNHA Announces 3-Day Closure Of Uhuru Highway

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced that a section of the busy Uhuru Highway in Nairobi has been closed for three days, prompting motorists to seek alternative routes.

In a statement, the authority noted that the busy highway will be closed between Thursday, October 19 and Saturday, October 21.

"The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) wishes to notify the Public of a temporary closure of Uhuru Highway from Haile Selassie to Bunyala roundabouts on Mombasa Bound lanes from Thursday, October 19, 2023, to Saturday, October 21, 2023, both days inclusive," stated KeNHA in part.

The authority divulged that the closure would allow for the highway maintenance works along the section.

A past aerial view of Uhuru Highway. /FILE

Motorists heading towards Mombasa Road are advised to exit at the Haile Selassie roundabout and share the Nairobi Bound carriageway with the Nairobi Bound traffic.

They will then have to rejoin the Mombasa Bound carriageway at Bunyala roundabout.

"Motorists are advised to approach this section with caution and follow traffic signs and guidance as directed by traffic marshalls and Police," added the statement signed by KeNHA Director General Kung'u Ndung'u.

After the construction of the multi-billion Nairobi Expressway was completed, the authority embarked on repairs covering lower-decker roads including Uhuru Highway and Mombasa Road, which are attached to the Expressway.

KeNHA revealed at the beginning of the year that it had set aside Ksh9 billion for the repair works estimated to take a period of two months.

The repair work was, at the time, expected to be conducted by Moja Expressway Company Ltd under its subsidiary, Procure and Construct (EPC) Contractor CALE Infrastructure Construction Limited.

Renovations included recarpeting the existing tarmac, fixing the drainage system, and establishing infrastructure for a Bus Rapid Transit (BTR) system.

On Friday, March 24, Transport Cabinet Secretary (CS) Kipchumba Murkomen moved to address the design flaws along Mombasa Road and other highways in Nairobi following complaints by pedestrians, motorists and other stakeholders amidst the long rain season.

Murkomen listed Mombasa Road, specifically Bunyala Road roundabout, Nyayo Stadium roundabout, Capital Centre and Imara Daima road section outside Imara Mall as roads affected by percolation challenges triggered by the highly-anticipated long rains.

"The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), for instance, is under strict instructions to undertake immediate drainage procedures along Mombasa Road and other affected areas," stated Murkomen in part.

The CS added that his Ministry has already enlisted the services of contractors to begin repair works along Mombasa Road which was badly damaged when the Nairobi Expressway was being constructed.