Motorists using Kiambu Road are a step closer to one of their long-awaited dreams, which is to have the road expanded.

Kiambu Road has been earmarked for construction into a dual carriageway from the Muthaiga interchange to Ndumberi through Kiambu town.

The 15-kilometre road will connect to Ruiru-Uplands and Githunguri-Kimende roads.

The move will see traffic congestion on the road ease as the number of motorists plying the route has increased over the years, with most people preferring to stay outside the city.

This, coupled with rapid real estate development along the road has put the traffic strain on motorists plying the route daily.

The government has moved a step closer to realise the development as the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) is currently collecting public views on the project.

Nema has invited members of the public to submit written or oral comments within thirty days from the publication of the notice that was made last Friday.

“The National Environment Management Authority (Nema) invites members of the public to submit oral or written comments within 30 days from the date of publication of this notice to the director-general, NEMA, to assist the authority in the decision-making process regarding this project,” the notice read.

In 2019, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) hired two firms; Span Engineers and Apec Consortium to create designs and conduct feasibility studies for a dual carriage road running along Karura Forest, Runda Estate and Muthaiga Estate.

KeNHA mandated the two firms to work under a joint venture to create designs that would factor in views from residents.

A section of residents felt the road ought to have non-motorised transport facilities because it would run through residential places.

KeNHA has already put owners of structures on the road reserves on notice that they will be demolished.

The expansion of the road is part of a wider venture to improve the road network in Nairobi.