Traders and motorists along Nairobi's busy Ngong Road have welcomed the commissioning of the new Ngong Road overpass, expressing optimism that the project will ease chronic traffic congestion and create new economic opportunities for businesses in the area.
The overpass, officially opened by President William Ruto on Tuesday, is expected to improve traffic flow along one of Nairobi's busiest transport corridors linking the Central Business District with Dagoretti Corner, Kilimani, Karen, Ngong and Ongata Rongai.
Residents and business operators said the project marks a turning point for an area that has for years been synonymous with lengthy traffic jams, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours.
Lucy Kagendo, a fruit trader at Dagoretti Corner who has operated her business for more than two decades, said the overpass would attract more customers and investors who had previously avoided the area because of congestion.
"I have been operating my business here for more than 20 years, and I believe this development will greatly benefit our businesses," she said.
"I think my business will now grow, and I am thankful for the road improvements and the development they have brought to our community. We used to be told we were heading to Singapore, and I think we are getting closer to that dream," Kagendo added.
Joel Kanewa Wanjala, who works in the area, said traffic on Ngong Road had often ground to a standstill during peak hours, affecting productivity and slowing the movement of goods and people.
"We have been experiencing a lot of traffic, but now we are very happy because traffic jams will be reduced," he said.
He said improved accessibility would spur business growth, particularly along Naivasha Road and neighbouring commercial centres.
"Businesses will expand because movement of people and goods will be easier. We are happy because we can see that the government is working to improve things," Kanewa said.
He also cited the nearby Talanta Stadium project as further evidence of the government's infrastructure agenda, saying the improved road network would support the country's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
"If you look at this overpass connecting Naivasha Road to Ngong Road, it is a modern highway. This is the kind of development we want. With Talanta Stadium nearby, movement will be much easier, and other African countries can learn from what Kenya is doing," he said.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, President Ruto said the overpass forms part of the government's wider infrastructure programme aimed at transforming Nairobi into a modern and globally competitive city.
He said the government is implementing one of the capital's largest urban road improvement programmes, with 729 kilometres of roads under routine maintenance and several others undergoing rehabilitation.
"Together, these projects are systematically addressing the traffic congestion that has hindered the growth of our capital for decades," the President said.
"Our goal is to build infrastructure that delivers a modern, efficient and globally competitive capital city, the gateway to Eastern Africa," he added.
