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Key developments on the road are a two-lane BRT line along the entire section of Outering road covering 10.5 kilometers.
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There will also be a construction of a three river bridges and two overpass bridges of approximately 1024m and 323m respectively.
Image: FILE
The much-awaited construction of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line that is set to help address traffic congestion within the city is now scheduled to begin in 2025.
This is after the government secured Sh7.6 billion loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea.
Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) which is the implementing agency, says in an advertisement dated September 24, that the tender is restricted to firms from Korea only and will be conducted in accordance with the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) guidelines.
The ambitious project to be completed in two years promises a complete redevelopment of the road with the works involving the construction of a two-lane BRT line along the entire section covering 10.5 kilometers.
There will also be the construction of three river bridges and two overpass bridges of approximately 1024m and 323m respectively.
Other key developments are 13 BRT stations along the stretch, new footbridges including modifications of the existing ones and installation of electromechanical works.
The plan further includes the construction of a drainage system, street lighting, landscaping works, and any other improvements as may be approved by the engineers.
A BRT depot of 1,365 meter square with complete parking spaces and access roads, fence, drains and electromechanical works is also planned for construction.
The depot is set to serve as the backbone of the BRT system, ensuring smooth operations and maintenance of the vehicles.
Another vital aspect of the plan is the incorporation of electric vehicles for the BRT line.
Charging stations will be strategically placed along the route to support the city's sustainability objectives.
Additionally, the buses will be outfitted with advanced technology, including vehicle tracking and surveillance systems.
Bidding will be conducted through Competitive Bidding (CB) procedures specified in the EDCF loans.
Interested bidders are required to obtain and inspect the bidding documents at the office of the agency’s Director General at Barabara Plaza.
“A complete set of bidding documents may be purchased by any interested bidder on the submission of a written application and upon payment of a non-refundable fee of Sh50,000,” it states.
A pre-bidding meeting has been scheduled for October 15 at the agency’s offices followed by a “mandatory site visit” by the agency at the proposed BRT corridor and depot construction site.
All submitted bids, it says, will be opened on November 19.
Other specific requirements for those eligible cover professional experience where they should have completed at least two projects similar to this in the last 10 years and a proven financial capability.
“Net worth for the last three years shall be positive respectively,” it states.
To participate as a project contractor, management or subcontractor requires, one must have worked in at least two construction sites within the last 10 years each with a completion value of at least Sh2.6 billion.
In terms of cash flow, those interested must demonstrate the availability of resources such as liquid assets, real assets and lines of credit to meet a requirement of Sh650 million.
BRT is a high-quality bus-based transit system that delivers fast, comfortable, and cost-effective services at metro-level capacities.
The BRT system is part of Kenya Kwanza’s vision to implement a Mass Rapid Transport System whose intent is to offer a reliable mode of commuter transport thereby decongesting the Nairobi’s CBD.
Once rolled out, it will also ease transport woes, reduce travel time, and air pollution.
The Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (NAMATA) had in 2022 projected to launch 5 BRT corridors connecting Nairobi, Machakos, Kiambu, Kajiado and Murang'a.
It, however, stalled due to financial constraints.
Another line identified in a bid to decongest Nairobi roads is Line 1 which will run from James Gichuru road-Waiyaki Way to JKIA, a distance of 20km.
The 31-km Line 2 will run from Lang’ata Road through Ngong, Juja, and Komarock roads to Ruiru with major stops at Dandora, Kariobangi, and Gikomba Market.
Line 3 will run from Githurai through Thika Road to Moi Avenue in the CBD, ending at Kenyatta National Hospital.