Government Allocates Sh4.5 Billion for Mombasa Road Restoration Projects

The Ministry of Roads and Transport has confirmed that Sh4.5 billion has been raised to facilitate the comprehensive rehabilitation of Mombasa Road. These funds, sourced through the securitisation of the Roads Maintenance Levy (RML), are specifically earmarked to address the structural and surface damage incurred on the old road during the construction of the 27.1-kilometer Nairobi Expressway.

For nearly two years, motorists and local businesses along the A104 corridor have contended with degraded road surfaces, broken drainage systems, and a lack of pedestrian walkways. The construction of the elevated toll road, which was completed in 2022, necessitated heavy machinery movement and significant utility shifts that left the original lower-deck road in a state of disrepair. The new funding seeks to return this arterial route to its original standards, focusing on resurfacing and the restoration of damaged infrastructure.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) is overseeing the works, which involve several distinct phases of reconstruction. Engineers have identified critical areas where the drainage system was compromised, leading to localized flooding during recent rainy seasons. The scope of work includes the restoration of road markings, installation of new street lighting, and the construction of footpaths to improve safety for non-motorized users.

Securitisation of the RML has emerged as a key financing strategy for the government to bridge the gap in infrastructure maintenance budgets. By leveraging future levy collections, the state is able to access immediate liquidity for urgent projects without placing additional direct strain on the current fiscal year's exchequer allocations. This financial mechanism is increasingly used to ensure that existing national assets do not deteriorate beyond the point of economic repair.

The Mombasa Road section is one of the busiest transit routes in East Africa, serving as the primary link between the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, the city center, and the industrial hub. The degradation of this link has been a point of contention for logistics firms and commuters who do not use the toll-based Expressway. The planned rehabilitation is expected to ease congestion on the lower road by improving traffic flow and reducing vehicle wear and tear.

Contractors have already been sighted on various sections of the road between Mlolongo and the James Gichuru intersection. Initial works have focused on clearing debris and preparing the sub-grade in areas where the road surface had completely failed. KeNHA has indicated that the repairs will be carried out in a manner that minimizes further disruption to the daily traffic volumes, which remain high despite the presence of the overhead bypass.

The restoration project also addresses the "beautification" and environmental aspects that were affected during the three-year construction period of the Expressway. This includes the replanting of trees and the restoration of medians that were removed to accommodate the massive pillars supporting the elevated highway.

Government officials have maintained that while the Nairobi Expressway has significantly reduced travel time for long-distance and airport-bound traffic, the integrity of the original Mombasa Road remains a priority for the Ministry. The Sh4.5 billion investment is viewed as a necessary expenditure to protect the lifespan of one of Kenya’s most critical economic arteries.