Residents of Kilimani have raised concerns over a proposed Ksh 1.6 billion expansion of State House Road, warning that the project could worsen traffic congestion, affect the environment and negatively impact nearby residential neighbourhoods.
The concerns were presented by the Kilimani Community Foundation (KCF), an umbrella body representing residents in the area, in a letter addressed to Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director General Silas Kinoti.
The road expansion project is expected to cover the section between the Uhuru Highway Roundabout and the Dennis Pritt Road junction. According to KURA, the project is aimed at easing traffic congestion along one of Nairobi’s busiest corridors and improving movement for motorists travelling to and from the city centre.
However, residents say several concerns raised during a public participation meeting held on February 6, 2026, have not been adequately addressed.
KCF Board Chairperson Irene Aguttu said the community is worried that widening the road may attract even more vehicles into the area instead of solving the congestion problem.
She noted that many motorists currently using State House Road are simply passing through Kilimani on their way to other parts of the city, such as Kileleshwa, Lavington, Riverside and neighbouring suburbs. According to the residents’ association, increasing the road’s capacity could encourage more through-traffic, making congestion worse over time.
The foundation argues that the project does not fully address the underlying causes of traffic jams in the area. Instead, it has urged the government to invest in improving alternative routes that could help distribute traffic more effectively across the city.
Among the roads proposed for improvement are Argwings Kodhek Road, Chiromo Lane and its connecting roads, as well as Riverside Drive and surrounding links. The residents believe that strengthening these corridors would offer motorists alternative routes and reduce pressure on roads around the State House without heavily affecting residential areas.
The objection comes at a time when Nairobi continues to face growing traffic challenges driven by rapid urbanisation, increased vehicle ownership and ongoing development in key neighbourhoods. Transport experts have previously argued that road widening alone does not always solve congestion, especially in urban centres where increased road space can attract additional vehicles.
Beyond traffic concerns, residents have also called for stronger environmental safeguards during the implementation of the project.
The foundation wants KURA to conduct a detailed mapping of all trees along the road and put in place measures to preserve as many as possible. State House Road is known for its mature tree cover, which contributes to the area’s green character and helps improve air quality.
KCF has also pushed for the inclusion of dedicated cycling lanes within the project design. The group says cycling infrastructure should be clearly separated from pedestrian walkways to enhance safety for both cyclists and people on foot.
In addition, the residents are demanding that the road be designed with universal accessibility standards in mind. They want flat kerbs installed at intersections and pedestrian crossings to make movement easier for persons with disabilities, older people and parents with strollers.
The foundation maintains that while improvements to Nairobi’s transport network are necessary, infrastructure projects should balance mobility needs with environmental protection, accessibility and the interests of surrounding communities.
KURA is yet to publicly respond to the latest concerns raised by the residents. The authority has previously maintained that the State House Road expansion is intended to improve traffic flow and support Nairobi’s growing transport demands.
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