Nairobi Uhuru Highway Upgrade Delivers New Pedestrian Walkways and Landscaping Ahead of Schedule

Contractors executing the urban renewal works along the lower deck of the Nairobi Expressway have intensified their operations, with substantial progress recorded on the sections running through the city center. The infrastructure project covers the expansive corridor stretching from the ABC Place node in Westlands to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Civil works on the pedestrian walkways along Uhuru Highway are moving toward the final delivery phases,, after specialized crews completed the installation of heavy-duty paving blocks. The newly paved stretches now allow pedestrians to navigate the busy section cleanly,, which eliminates the muddy conditions that previously plagued the route during rainy spells.

PHOTO: Diana Velmah/YOUTUBE

On-site assessments indicate that the installation of interlocking cabro blocks is complete across multiple zones,, including the highly technical sections adjacent to the Kenyatta Avenue roundabout. The rapid deployment follows a two-week period of accelerated masonry and earthworks,, which shifted active construction operations further down the main transit highway.

The civil engineering works are part of the larger Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Westlands Capacity Enhancement Project (JWCEP),, an initiative overseen by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA). The state agency designed the modern non-motorized transport (NMT) infrastructure to safely segregate pedestrian traffic from high-speed vehicular lanes.

PHOTO: Diana Velmah/YOUTUBE

The scope of the current phase involves leveling the pedestrian paths,, setting up robust concrete kerbstones,, and laying down uniform interlocking tiles. Specialized drainage channels have been integrated directly alongside the paved surfaces,, which ensures that stormwater runoff is directed away from the pedestrian zones during heavy downpours.

Construction crews are alternating their deployments between different sections of the corridor to maintain traffic flow,, moving swiftly from completed zones to new assignment areas. Observers noted that laborers previously stationed near the central business district have transitioned toward sections near the Nyayo National Stadium (NNS).

The ongoing project also focuses on extensive roadside landscaping,, which incorporates existing mature trees to form a shaded green canopy over the newly built walkways. This environmental integration is designed to match the adjacent green spaces of Uhuru Park,, giving the urban transport corridor a highly organized appearance.

The infrastructure upgrade addresses the severe damage caused to the lower-deck road network during the multi-billion shilling construction of the elevated Nairobi Expressway. The engineering designs prioritised the restoration of public amenities,, ensuring that ordinary commuters enjoy improved safety standards while accessing the city center.

The completed pavements now extend continuously past the Green Park bus terminus,, creating a seamless connection for commuters walking between Mombasa Road and the central business district. While the paving blocks are fully laid,, local users have highlighted the urgent need to finish the final drainage connections.

The next critical phase of the corridor upgrade involves the installation of overhead street lighting fixtures,, which will improve night visibility and security along the highway. Engineering teams are currently mapping out the electrical wiring pathways beneath the newly laid pavements to support these final utility installations.

The project aligns with the broader urban upgrading directives supported by President Ruto,, who has emphasized the modernizing of public transit infrastructure across Nairobi. The capital city continues to receive substantial funding allocations to transform its primary roads into inclusive spaces for both motorists and pedestrians.

Contractors remain confident that the remaining gaps along the highway corridor will be sealed soon,, as heavy machinery prepares the final unpaved sections for cabro laying. The completed works represent a strict shift toward professional engineering standards within the competitive Kenyan construction sector.