Gridlock relief for Rongai residents as 20km Magadi Road dualling begins

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has initiated the expansion of the Magadi Road (B19) corridor, a 20-kilometre stretch that serves as a primary artery for the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. The project, which begins at the Bomas of Kenya junction, aims to convert the existing single carriageway into a dualled road to address the severe traffic congestion that has long plagued commuters between the capital and the satellite towns of Ongata Rongai and Kiserian.

Dr. Raymond Omollo, the Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, confirmed that the government is taking a multi-agency approach to ensure the project stays on track. The State Department for Internal Security is providing a facilitative role, coordinating National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs) to manage public engagement and ensure the security of construction sites. This involvement is intended to foster a stable working environment for contractors and minimize friction with host communities.

The B19 corridor has evolved into a critical transport link as Ongata Rongai and Kiserian have transitioned from quiet outposts into densely populated urban centres. These areas now play a vital role in the regional housing market and commerce, but the existing infrastructure has struggled to accommodate the daily volume of commuter movement. The current dualling effort is designed to unlock the socio-economic potential of the region by improving mobility and road safety on what is frequently described as one of the city's most congested routes.

Construction activity on the corridor has already seen preliminary phases, including the installation of drainage structures and box culverts. In late 2025, KeNHA implemented temporary traffic diversions near the Brookhouse and Galleria sections to facilitate these essential civil works. The current phase of major expansion follows a period of design and budgetary allocation aimed at transforming the B19 into a modern, high-capacity highway capable of handling future traffic projections.

Beyond the physical roadworks, the project involves a significant coordination effort to manage the logistical challenges of building in a heavily built-up area. The collaboration between the Ministry of Roads and the Ministry of Interior is intended to prevent the delays that often hamper large-scale urban infrastructure projects. By maintaining a constant presence on the ground, NGAOs are tasked with resolving right-of-way issues and ensuring that the construction pace matches the government's delivery timelines.

Engineers on the project are focusing on a design that incorporates improved intersections and pedestrian facilities to enhance safety for all road users. The chronic gridlock at the Bomas junction has historically created a bottleneck that ripples back into Lang’ata Road and the Southern Bypass, making the expansion of this 20-kilometre segment a strategic priority for metropolitan decongestion.

As work progresses, KeNHA has urged motorists to exercise patience and adhere to the traffic management plans in place. The successful completion of the dualling project is expected to significantly reduce travel times for the thousands of residents who depend on the Magadi Road corridor for their daily livelihoods, while providing a more efficient link for the transit of goods into Kajiado County.