Nairobi is set to get its first rail flyover in a bid to ease traffic — here’s how it will work

david nganga

July 17, 2018 5:40 PM

A recent report ranked Nairobi's traffic as the second-worst in the world

Nairobi is set to get a rail flyover in a move aimed at reducing the traffic menace in the city, a Kenyan road agency said Tuesday.

Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) said the flyover, also known as a viaduct, will link Enterprise Road to Nairobi Central Business District.

The project is a collaboration between Kenya and Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA) and will be undertaken by Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).

The viaduct is a long bridge-like structure, typically a series of arches, carrying a railway across a valley or other low ground.

According to KURA, the structure will fly over the railway yard at the Nairobi Central Railway Station.

Environmental safety

The project is part of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan 2030 that seeks to reduce traffic congestion within city centre and divert traffic from Mombasa Road.

Kura acting director general Silas Kinoti said several studies have been conducted in compliance with relevant Kenyan laws and JICA environmental and social safeguard guidelines.

“So far, several consultative meetings …have been held with stakeholders including the Muthurwa Estate residents as part of the ongoing RAP process," he stated.

A recent report by numbeo.com rankedthe Kenyan capital's traffic as the second-worst in the world, with Nairobians said to spend an average of 62.44 minutes in traffic.

david nganga