KeNHA initially promised the highway would be fully rehabilitated within 18 months, but with little visible progress, that timeline is now in doubt. Following a recent expose by The Weekly Vision, the contractors have resumed work, but the situation remains much the same, with materials and equipment often left idle for weeks at a time. In one instance, an excavator left unattended on Mombasa Road was vandalized, leading to an altercation with security guards
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is under intense scrutiny for the slow pace of rehabilitation on the 24.7-kilometer highway between Westlands and Athi River, which was damaged during the construction of the Nairobi Expressway. Despite awarding Ksh 3 billion tenders to Wolf Paving Kenya and Shovels and Trowels, progress has been sluggish, causing significant inconvenience to motorists and other road users.
This delay has sparked concerns about the contractors’ ability to manage such a significant project, particularly after former CS Kipchumba Murkomen stated in May 2023 that the project would be completed within 12 months. The contractors have only shown up when public outcry or scrutiny from MPs pushes them into action, prompting questions about the level of supervisory controls KeNHA has implemented to ensure timely completion.
KeNHA initially promised the highway would be fully rehabilitated within 18 months, but with little visible progress, that timeline is now in doubt. Following a recent expose by The Weekly Vision, EACC Urged to Expedite Probe into Controversial Ksh 3 Billion Waiyaki Way and Mombasa Road Rehabilitation Tenders the contractors have resumed work, but the situation remains much the same, with materials and equipment often left idle for weeks at a time. In one instance, an excavator left unattended on Mombasa Road was vandalized, leading to an altercation with security guards.
Compounding the problem, the ongoing works along Waiyaki Way have caused further challenges for motorists, especially during the current rainy season, with flooding of the lower deck highway and sections narrowed by the expressway’s supporting pillars.
The contract for the section between Ole Sereni Hotel and Athi River was awarded to Wolf Paving at a cost of Ksh 1.86 billion, while Shovels and Trowels is handling the James Gichuru Road-Ole Sereni Hotel junction at a cost of Ksh 1.19 billion. However, Wolf Paving has yet to complete excavation works on the Panari Hotel-General Motors section, leaving a dangerous open tunnel.
Meanwhile, the only completed work consists of a side road initially intended for pedestrians but now used by motorcyclists to bypass traffic. Despite criticism, KeNHA’s Deputy Director of Corporate Communications, Samwel Kumba, insists they are satisfied with the progress. He acknowledged the slow pace but reassured the public that the hard work was nearing completion, with sufficient funding in place.
Initially, the rehabilitation contract was awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation, the same company responsible for the Nairobi Expressway, but after public outcry, the contract was cancelled in favour of local firms.
A whistleblower’s letter to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has raised concerns about the integrity of the contract award process, but no active investigations have been reported as of yet.
