Kenya invites Chinese contractors to bid for Kiambu Road expansion

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has invited prequalification bids from Chinese contractors for the expansion of the Pangani–Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi Road, following a financing deal from China’s Export-Import (EXIM) Bank.

The project aims to upgrade the B32 corridor, which stretches from Muthaiga through Kiambu to Ndumberi, from a two-lane single carriageway to a four-lane dual carriageway with service lanes and pedestrian walkways.

“The financing agreements shall be signed upon finalization of the commercial contract,” KeNHA said in a notice published Tuesday, adding that Beijing’s commitment is tied to Nairobi opening the bid to Chinese enterprises or consortia led by Chinese firms.

The road project forms a key link within eastern Nairobi and seeks to ease traffic congestion on Kiambu Road and Thika Superhighway.

It includes the main trunk road, new interchanges and bridges, enhancement of adjacent road networks, and provision of pedestrian infrastructure such as footbridges and walkways.

The project will see the Muthaiga–Kirigiti–Ndumberi corridor upgraded to a four-lane dual carriageway, new interchanges at Kamiti Road, Banana Road, and Northern Bypass intersections, as well as the construction of six pedestrian footbridges.

KeNHA said spur roads like Ridgeways Road and Evergreen–UN Avenue through Runda will also be enhanced.

The highways authority added that the project has a construction period of 36 months and a 24-month defects notification period.

“To be considered for prequalification, applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved a minimum annual construction turnover of USD 250 million for the last five years, calculated as the sum of all total certified annual payments received for contracts in progress and/or completed, divided by the number of years,” read the notice.

The prequalification tender closes on August 22.