On Friday, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) stated that they would partially shut down the Mombasa (A8) Road close to Imaara shopping center. This is to enable the placement of culverts and repair activities at these parts. The closure will affect both lanes leading towards Nairobi.
The shutdown will impact the lanes towards Nairobi near Imaara Mall, starting from Friday, May 31, 2024, at 8 pm until Monday, June 3, 2024, at 6 am, as stated by KeNHA Director General Kung’u Ndung’u.
Subsequently, there will be another closure on the lanes bound for Mombasa starting from Friday, June 7, 2024, at 8 pm until Monday, June 10, 2024, at 6 am.
Ndung’u reminded drivers to exercise caution while passing through the affected sections. Motorists were given guidance by the authority to use the two main lanes and approach the affected sections with care.
They were also reminded to follow the traffic signs and directions provided by the traffic police and marshals.
Imaara Mall
KeNHA declared its commitment to ensuring smooth connections for safe travel to foster economic growth. In September of the previous year, the road agency reported that they were progressing with expanding the construction of the Imaara Outfall drain.
The waterway stretches for 3.5 kilometers to the Ngong River and when completed, it will redirect floodwaters that have been a problem for the community for decades. The drainage channel begins at A8, goes through Imaara Mall, Imara estate, Embakasi Girls, Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Kware, and ends at Ngong River (Outering Road).
KeNHA mentioned in February that they are in the process of enhancing the old Mombasa road to the level of the Nairobi expressway. This project, costing Sh24.8 billion, will involve the creation of new footbridges and pathways for pedestrians.
Kungu Ndungu, the Director General of Kenha, stated that construction would start soon after the repair of the road sections damaged during the construction of the expressway is completed.
Lately, both KeNHA and the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) have been closing off segments of roads in Nairobi County for refurbishment and upkeep.
In a notice dated March 23, KeNHA declared the temporary closure of Nyerere Road near the University of Nairobi roundabout, effective from Friday, May 24, and also issued a traffic advisory for drivers.
A bridge in Mombasa Road
The Highways Authority stated that the traffic interruption was needed to conduct maintenance tasks along that stretch of the highway. Meanwhile, KURA had also declared the shutdown of Valley Road, warning drivers in Nairobi County about a three-day traffic disturbance affecting three segments along the road.
The notice mentioned that there will be traffic disturbance along Valley Road in Nairobi beginning at 6 AM on Saturday, May 18th, until 6 PM on Monday, May 20th, 2024.
President Ruto had earlier said that he is focusing on boosting the economy sector of Kenya, including the transport sector.
