The South Korean government has unveiled plans to construct a 20-km highway from the Machakos turn-off to Emali in a move geared at decongesting the road that links the artery to Mombasa Road.
In its announcement, the South Korean government revealed that the section of the road would be converted to a dual-carriageway to ease traffic congestion that is common along the route.
Construction of the road now receives a boost with the project currently at the procurement stage. Work is expected to commence in early 2025 supervised by the South Korean and Kenyan engineers.
The dualling of the road is also set to play a pivotal role in the Nairobi- Mombasa Expressway masterplan whose construction is expected to commence in the subsequent years.
Section of Nairobi Expressway along Mombasa Road.
State House
Listed under the Economic Innovation Partnership Program (EIPP), the project is among three others earmarked to support the development of Konza Technopolis over three years.
In 2021, Korea reached an agreement with Kenya for the establishment of the Konza Technopolis Smart City Masterplan and the establishment of a Transportation Network and Smart Mobility Basic Plan.
While signing the agreement with Kenya, the South Korean government also agreed to establish an Integrated Control Center.
The projects which have been valued at Ksh129 billion were signed in June this year during President William Ruto’s visit to Korea for the Korea – Africa summit.
According to Nam Sang Kyoo, the Acting Ambassador of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Kenya, the above projects will help Kenya move forward in the field of smart technology.
“Today, I am thrilled to announce that we have completed the implementation of these projects. Through the EIPP, we have witnessed the dynamic exchange of knowledge and innovative ideas,” said Raphael Munavu, Chairman of Konza Technopolis.
“Our collaborative efforts have yielded tangible and transformative outcomes. As we look ahead, our journey continues with unwavering commitment and enthusiasm.”
The latest move comes weeks after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) announced plans to construct a 66 km highway in Thika in a move aimed at making the popular town which is located in Kiambu County become the country’s sixth city.
A section of the Thika Super Highway at Muthaiga, Nairobi County
Photo
AFDB
