New Walkways and Greenery Near Airport Entry as JKIA Road Corridor Reaches Key Phase

Work on the James Gichuru to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport corridor is showing visible progress, with civil works focusing on the finalization of pedestrian infrastructure and greenery. The project, which spans the A8 and B10 highway sections, has moved into a high-activity phase at the airport entry point, where landscaping teams and paving crews are currently deployed.

The Government Spokesperson confirmed on February 20, 2026, that enhancement works are progressing according to the technical schedule. At the airport entry, the installation of interlocking paving blocks for pedestrian walkways is nearing completion. These walkways are designed to provide a continuous, safe path for non-motorized traffic, separated from the main vehicle lanes that serve the busy international gateway.

The current phase follows a period of site preparation that involved the removal of temporary structures and billboards along the road reserve. This clearance, initiated by the Kenya National Highways Authority in early 2026, was necessary to secure the full width of the corridor for structural and aesthetic improvements. The project is managed by the China Road and Bridge Corporation, the lead contractor tasked with bringing the lower section of the highway up to modern urban standards.

Beyond the physical paving, landscaping crews are working on the central medians and roadside verges. The landscaping component includes the planting of trees and ornamental vegetation intended to improve the environmental quality of the route. This work is part of a broader presidential directive aimed at modernizing the infrastructure surrounding the airport to reflect its status as a regional aviation hub.

Technical teams on-site are currently overseeing the placement of heavy stone curbs and the leveling of the ground for additional green spaces. The project is intended to solve long-standing issues regarding pedestrian safety and the overall visual condition of the road between the airport and the Westlands area. By prioritizing dedicated footpaths, the design addresses the high volume of workers and travelers who navigate the airport approaches on foot.

The enhancement of the A8/B10 corridor is being executed alongside other major infrastructure priorities for 2026. While the highway remains a live work environment, traffic management measures are in place to allow the landscaping and walkway teams to operate safely near the airport gates. Officials have noted that the focus remains on long-term durability and the integration of the road with the existing Nairobi Expressway pillars.

As the works at the airport entry reach an advanced stage, the contractor is expected to shift focus to other segments of the 27-kilometer stretch. The completion of these specific sections is viewed as a priority for the government to ensure that the primary entrance to the capital provides a professional and efficient experience for all road users.