Gov’t to upgrade State House Road in Nairobi at Sh1.6 bn

By Newsflash Reporter

The government plans to upgrade State House Road in Nairobi at a cost of Sh1.6 billion, according to a tender document circulated on December 19.

The road forms part of 92 national road upgrade and maintenance projects with a combined budget of Sh15.6 billion.

The tender, signed by Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Deputy Director of Supply Chain Management, describes the project as a “traffic circulation and capacity enhancement of State House Road.” The road connects Nairobi’s central business district (CBD) with key installations, including State House and surrounding government offices. Police often restrict traffic during demonstrations along the route. In October, a General Service Unit (GSU) officer stationed at State House was killed after a civilian attacked him with a bow and arrow, highlighting security concerns in the area.

Major road projects across the country

Other major projects under the Development Vote include Chelimo Road in Kericho Town, costing Sh1.1 billion; upgrading Gede-Kakuyuni roads in Kilifi County to bitumen standards (Sh967.5 million); Eldoret City link roads (Sh950 million); and dualling Oginga Odinga Avenue from Subukia underpass to Westmall roundabout in Nakuru County (Sh850 million).

Kilifi North MP Owen Baya described the county’s projects as a turning point, attributing the progress to collaboration between local leaders and the national Kenya Kwanza government.

The tender notice limits bidders to a maximum of two applications, with only one award per bidder. Fifty-two of the 92 tenders are reserved for youth, women, and people living with disabilities. The notice warns that any form of non-compliance or canvassing will lead to disqualification.

Government’s long-term infrastructure plan

These projects form part of the Kenya Kwanza government’s 10-year plan under President William Ruto to improve national roads and transport infrastructure. In his November State of the Nation address, the president announced plans to dual 2,500 kilometres of highways and tarmac 28,000 kilometres of roads.

Recently, the government identified the Rironi-Mau Summit road as a priority to reduce long holiday traffic congestion.

The Kyuso-Tseikuru road in Makueni County, near Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s constituency, has also attracted attention. KeNHA has floated a tender to upgrade it to bitumen standards, alongside strengthening the Kandwia-Kyuso road, sparking political debate over credit for commissioning the project.