Infrastructure facelift at JKIA entrance takes shape as walkway and landscaping works hit high gear

Work on the enhancement of the road corridor stretching from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the James Gichuru Road junction has entered a visible phase of completion, specifically at the primary entry point to the international airport. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed that walkway construction and landscaping activities are now at an advanced stage within the JKIA precinct, aiming to align the section with modern urban infrastructure standards.

The project, officially designated as the Capacity Enhancement, Landscaping, and Beautification Works along the James Gichuru Road Junction to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (A8/B10) Highway Corridor, is designed to restore and improve the lower road sections. These areas were impacted during the multi-year construction of the Nairobi Expressway, which now towers above the existing carriageway.

Current site activity involves the systematic laying of paving blocks for non-motorized transport lanes and the preparation of green spaces. According to recent updates from the highways authority, the primary objective is to improve the visual appeal of the route for international arrivals while simultaneously addressing long-standing safety concerns for pedestrians. The works include the repair of drainage systems and the replenishment of road surfaces that suffered wear or damage during the heavy engineering phase of the expressway's elevation.

Earlier this year, KeNHA issued a directive for the removal of all unapproved structures along this 20-kilometre stretch to facilitate the unhindered progression of the contract. The clearance exercise targeted billboards, temporary nursery beds, and directional signs that had encroached upon the road reserve. This enforcement was a prerequisite for the contractor, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), to begin the full-scale landscaping and capacity works.

Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Davis Chirchir, recently conducted an inspection of the site to evaluate the adherence to safety and quality specifications. During the site visit, it was noted that the scope of work extends beyond simple aesthetics. The project includes significant capacity enhancements to the B10 Maza Road and associated access points, intended to streamline the flow of traffic approaching the airport.

The restoration of this corridor is part of a broader infrastructure strategy to ensure that the ground-level road network remains functional and efficient alongside the toll-based expressway. By separating pedestrian traffic through dedicated walkways and improving the overall greenery, the government intends to create a more efficient transit experience for commuters using the Mombasa-Malaba transport corridor.

While the airport entry section shows the most significant visual progress, works continue in segments along the entire route toward Westlands. The ongoing site operations are expected to continue through the mid-year period, with traffic marshals and signage deployed to manage the flow of vehicles around the active construction zones.