KURA Signs Contract For BRT Line 5 Along Nairobi Outer Ring Road

Kenya Urban Roads Authority officials met at Barabara Plaza in Nairobi on March 4 to formalise the contract for Bus Rapid Transit Line 5.

Eng. Silas Kinoti, director general of KURA, led the signing. The move advances construction on the corridor that has faced delays in the past.

The alignment follows Outer Ring Road from Allsops to Taj Mall within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area. This stretch serves eastern suburbs and links to key arterial roads.

Eng. Wilfred Oginga, director for roads planning and design, joined alongside other KURA managers. Representatives from the Korean contractor YOUNGJIN Joint Venture completed the signing group.

Kinoti noted the project's earlier slippage from planned schedules. He committed to closer oversight with stakeholders to meet revised delivery dates.

“We are aware that this project has lagged behind the initial timelines,” Kinoti said. “Today’s signing marks a renewed commitment to fast-track its implementation. We will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the project is delivered efficiently and within the revised timelines for the benefit of the public.”

BRT Line 5 forms one part of the five-corridor system planned for the Nairobi region under the Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority framework. The corridors carry animal-themed names and aim to improve mass transit connectivity across the city and surrounding counties.

Line 1 (Ndovu) runs from Limuru through Kangemi and the CBD to Imara Daima, Athi River, and Kitengela, roughly parallel to the Nairobi Expressway.

Line 2 (Simba) covers Rongai to Bomas, the CBD, Ruiru, Thika, and Kenol, with upgrades already underway along the Thika Superhighway in phases from Ruiru toward Kenyatta National Hospital.

Line 3 (Chui) links Tala, Njiru, Dandora, the CBD, Showground, and Ngong, crossing the city east to west. Detailed designs and funding focus on a core 12.4 km section from Dandora to Kenyatta National Hospital, with plans for electric buses and supporting infrastructure.

Line 4 (Kifaru) follows Jogoo Road from Mama Lucy Hospital in Donholm through the CBD to areas including T-Mall, Bomas, and Karen, with engineering studies completed for segments along this corridor.

Line 5 (Nyati), now under contract, connects Ridgeways on Kiambu Road through Balozi (Allsops) and extends toward Imara Daima, though the current contract targets the Outer Ring Road portion from Allsops to Taj Mall.

KURA oversees urban trunk roads and related infrastructure in Kenyan cities. The authority manages development and maintenance while coordinating with NaMATA on BRT rollout.

The project draws funding from the Export-Import Bank of Korea. Earlier procurement faced legal challenges, but the signing clears the path for works including dedicated lanes, stations, bridges, and drainage along the 10.5 km route.