The planned expansion of Kiambu Road faces uncertainty after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) abruptly cancelled the tendering process, just a week after inviting Chinese contractors to submit prequalification applications.
In a notice dated July 22, KeNHA announced the suspension of the process but did not provide reasons for the decision.
This development comes barely seven days after the agency published an invitation on July 15 calling for prequalification bids to undertake the Kiambu Road expansion. The project was to be funded by the China Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.
According to the notice, the prequalification exercise was to shortlist contractors with the technical and financial capacity to handle the project. Applicants were required to demonstrate a minimum annual construction turnover of $250 million (Sh32 billion) over the past five years and provide proof of relevant experience, skilled staff, and ongoing or completed projects of a similar nature.
The deadline for submission had been set for August 22, 2025.
KeNHA had stated that financing agreements would be signed upon the conclusion of the commercial contract.
The project scope included upgrading the Pangani–Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi (B32) corridor and its connecting roads into a four-lane dual carriageway, complete with two service lanes on each side. It also featured non-motorised transport facilities, pedestrian footbridges, bus bays, signage, and road furniture.
The plan aimed to enhance traffic flow and safety across the eastern part of the Nairobi Metropolitan area, including key links to the Thika Superhighway, Ridgeways Road, and UN Avenue through Runda. Several major junctions were also set to be improved.
KeNHA had emphasised that the works would follow the FIDIC Silver Book contract model, which places most of the risk on the contractor and ensures both cost and time predictability for the employer.
The construction phase was expected to last 36 months, followed by a 24-month defects notification period. The authority had touted the project as vital for easing congestion and improving mobility in one of the busiest urban corridors in the region.
