Western Bypass to be ready for use in December, CS James Macharia says

The Cabinet Secretary for Transport James Macharia has announced that motorists will be able to fully use the Nairobi Western Bypass at the end of thisyear.

Construction of the 15-kilometre road that starts from Gitaru and terminates in Ruaka in Kiambu County is ongoing with some sections of the road already complete.

Macharia said the bypass road will be a game-changer in urban traffic flow as it will also connect everybody around Nairobi.

"This road will connect everybody around the city of Nairobi. It will divert traffic from going through the city and it is key to easing congestion," he said. 

The CS also said the government is working closely with the contractor to ensure the project is complete within the stipulated timeframe.

"This is one of the most important projects we have ever done and we are working closely with the contractor to make sure they complete the project within the timeline given, which is end of December," said Macharia. 

According to the CS, the road is expected to ease traffic congestion in the city by providing motorists travelling from Western Kenya with fallback routes as they head to the city.

Macharia also said upon completion of the bypass, Nairobi will be elevated to the same status as other global metropolises.

He also added that the road will attract investors who will put up businesses along the bypass and that will boost the economy of the areas along its length.

"We will have new investors coming to put new business premises along this corridor which will boost the economy of this area," Macharia added.

The Western Bypass is being constructed at a budget of Sh17 billion by the constructed by China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).

CRBC is the same company that constructed the Northern, Eastern and Southern bypasses.

It is currently also constructing the Nairobi Expressway from Mlolongo through James Gichuru Road junction to Rironi.