Nairobi Expressway Opening – 10 Things You Should Know

The Ksh88 Billion Nairobi Expressway is set to be officially opened in May 2022. Infrastructure Principal Secretary Paul Maringa told the National Assembly’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) that the project was complete and would be launched subject to the President’s calendar this month.

The mega-project, the capital’s new centerpiece cutting through the city, has divided opinion. It is intended to help cut the time wasted in Nairobi’s notorious traffic significantly.

Here are 10 things you should know about the Nairobi Expressway ahead of its official launch;

1. The expressway is a 27-kilometre toll road running from the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Westlands, Nairobi. China Communications Construction Company, the parent firm of China Road and Bridge Corporation, funded and built the highway.

2. Moja Expressway, a subsidiary of CRBC, will operate the expressway for 27 years to recoup the funds before handing it over to the government.

3. The expressway will have 11 interchanges and 27 toll stations. To access the road, one must first sign up at the Nairobi Expressway Service Centre on Mombasa Road opposite General Motors.

4. There are three modes of payment; the Manual Toll Collection (MTC) card, the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) service and cash.

5. The MTC card can be loaded with cash for toll points, while ETC allows toll points to be electronically deducted through the pre-installed On-Board Unit (OBU) device offering a non-stop road service. One must visit the service centre to enable either payment mode.

6. The cost for motorists will vary depending on the distance they will cover. They will will pay between Ksh120 ($1.04) and Ksh1,800 ($15.55).

7. Pedestrians, livestock, motorcycles, tuk tuks and forklifts are not allowed on the expressway. It is fully fenced.

8. It is illegal to reverse on the expressway. If you miss an exit, you are required to drive to the next exit to get off the highway.

9. Littering is prohibited on the expressway. Texting or calling while driving will also attract penalties.

10. The expressway has dedicated emergency lanes for services including ambulances and fire brigades. Motorists are not allowed on these lanes.

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