The Nairobi Expressway

The Nairobi Expressway is a major infrastructure urban project in Kenya. The expressway was built to address Nairobi's intense traffic congestion problems, providing additional roads suspended by a bridge-like structure over Nairobi's urban landscape. The expressway was officially launched and operational in 2022, was constructed between Mlolongo and James Gichuru junction stretching 27 km and was developed through a public-private partnership between the Kenyan government and the China Road and Bridge Corporation, which financed, designed, and constructed the expressway. While the Nairobi expressway has certainly sparked debate over its sustainability, cost, and inclusivity, this massive infrastructure project serves as a toll road designed to ease traffic congestion and support Nairobi's role as a regional economic hub. 

The Nairobi expressway was built to tackle Nairobi's traffic problems. Nairobi is notorious for heavy traffic according to the Traffic Index by Numbeo, Nairobi is ranked 10th globally for having the worst congestion, and costs the citizens billions of Kenyan shillings annually in lost productivity and fuel wastage. And with Nairobi’s rapid urbanization putting pressure on its road infrastructure the expressway was designed to decrease commuting times from over two hours to just 20 minutes. Additionally, its elevated design provides minimal interference with existing roads and buildings and allows for easy access for vehicles. This infrastructure project aligns with Kenya's Vision 2030, where the country aims to industrialize into a middle-income country (MIC). 

While many of the project's advantages are very helpful in boosting Nairobi's economy, as it provides easy access to the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as well as the Central Business District (CBD) making trade and tourism easier, much of the urban infrastructure project faces controversy. Many people argue that due to the high toll fees relative to the average Kenyan, it makes it hard for ordinary people to access, essentially creating a class divide on Nairobi's roads. Additionally, environmental concerns have been raised such as the project's displacement of trees and major green spaces during the construction. Many critics also argue that the project prioritizes and enforces car-centric infrastructure, which limits accessibility and sustainability. By creating an expressway designed for cars people are more inclined to use cars rather than sustainable alternatives such as public transport and non-motorized vehicles resulting in a car-centric urban environment, which contradicts many of Kenya's goals to minimize carbon emissions and promote sustainability. 

From an urban planning point of view, the Nairobi expressway showcases Kenya's development and interest in streamlining its urban infrastructure. Its construction has also led to further developments in Kenya's infrastructure which continue to provide jobs and employment opportunities for the local communities, however while this particular project has addressed the major congestion issues that Nairobi faces its negatives, such as its lack of inclusivity and environmental sustainability highlights the flaws within this urban development project. This goes to show that a good urban project does not only solve a specific problem but also ensures that it promotes sustainable practices and co-exists with nature to minimize its ecological footprint.

Bibliography

Kenya National Highways Authority. (n.d.). Nairobi Expressway Project. Retrieved from https://kenha.co.ke/nairobi-expressway-2/

Natural Justice. (n.d.). Nairobi Expressway Project: Environmental and social considerations. Retrieved from https://naturaljustice.org/eia-process/nairobi-expressway/

Institute for Transportation and Development Policy. (2023, July 10). Reimagining the Nairobi Expressway as a Green Corridor. Retrieved from https://itdp.org/2023/07/10/reimagine-the-nairobi-expressway-as-a-green-corridor/

Wikipedia contributors. (n.d.). Nairobi Expressway. In Wikipedia. Retrieved December 15, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nairobi_Expressway