The game-changing construction and upgrading of 408.4 kilometres of roads in informal settlements will be completed by December 2022.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority said some stretches in the Sh5.4 billion project are already complete.
The project is expected to open up the slums to connect the with other parts of Nairobi in a road network. It will improve business.
The project will also upgrade sub-par roads to increase traffic capacity and accessibility for emergency vehicles.
Between June and August, the Kura covered 95.3km, bringing total upgrade to 157.2km. By June 57.4km had been completed.
Kura chief corporate communications officer John Cheboi on Sunday said said the project was on course, despite challenges.
“In 10 months, we have covered 15 kilometres. We managed all challenges and most past," he said.
Main roads are constructed at least six metres wide on treated ground with a 30cm subgrade layer and a 15cm cement-stabilised base where applicable.
The 408km upgrade includes Mukuru 70km, Dagoretti 30km, Kawangware 22.6km, Kangemi 41km, Kibera 22.8km, Korogocho - 13.6km and Mathare 18.2km.
Roysambu 50.7km, Githurai 57.4km, Kasarani Mwiki 42km and Dandora, Utawala, Mihang’o and Ruai each will have 40km.
Most of these areas have suffered from a poor road network, making it difficult to access critical services and other essentials.
Low road quality has led to difficulties in emergency and disaster access to fires and other emergencies.
Some roads are being recarpeted and upgraded to cabro and asphat concrete (bitumen).
Where adequate space is available, Kura will also instal road furniture, including walkways and cycle lanes.
Areas like Kibra, Mathare and Mukuru kwa Njenga slums have already been marked as Special Planning Areas by the Nairobi Metropolitan Services.
This was in line with President Uhuru Kenyatta’s March 18, 2020, directive to NWS to upgrade slums in the capital, improving safety and health.
NMS already has begun to improve water and sanitation, drainage and electric supply in informal settlements.
(Edited by V. Graham)
