NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has officially invited prequalification bids from Chinese contractors for the ambitious expansion of the Pangani–Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi Road. This significant infrastructure project follows a financing agreement secured from China’s Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
The initiative aims to substantially upgrade the B32 corridor, which spans from Muthaiga through Kiambu to Ndumberi, transforming it from its current two-lane single carriageway into a modern four-lane dual carriageway.
The design also incorporates essential features such as service lanes and dedicated pedestrian walkways, signaling a comprehensive enhancement for commuters and local communities.
“The financing agreements shall be signed upon finalization of the commercial contract,” KeNHA stated in a notice published on Tuesday. The authority further clarified that Beijing’s commitment to financing this project is contingent upon Nairobi’s decision to open the bidding process exclusively to Chinese enterprises or consortia led by Chinese firms.
This critical road project is designed to form a key link within the eastern part of the Nairobi metropolitan area, with a primary objective of easing persistent traffic congestion along Kiambu Road and the busy Thika Superhighway.
The scope of the project is extensive, encompassing the main trunk road, the construction of new interchanges and bridges, the enhancement of adjacent road networks, and the provision of crucial pedestrian infrastructure, including six new footbridges and walkways.
Specifically, the Muthaiga–Kirigiti–Ndumberi corridor will undergo a comprehensive upgrade to a four-lane dual carriageway. New interchanges are planned at key intersections, including Kamiti Road, Banana Road, and the Northern Bypass.
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Additionally, spur roads such as Ridgeways Road and the Evergreen–UN Avenue route through Runda are slated for enhancement.
KeNHA has outlined a construction period of 36 months for the project, followed by a 24-month defects notification period. To ensure the selection of highly capable firms, the prequalification criteria are rigorous.
“To be considered for prequalification, applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved a minimum annual construction turnover of USD 250 million for the last five years, calculated as the sum of all total certified annual payments received for contracts in progress and/or completed, divided by the number of years,” the notice stipulated.
The deadline for submitting prequalification bids is set for August 22.
