The inauguration of the Sh2 billion Greenpark terminus pedestrian underpass faces delays after MPs questioned the quality of the construction works on the project at the busiest intersection of Nairobi's Haile Selassie Avenue and Uhuru Highway junction.
The members of the Transport and Infrastructure Committee of the National Assembly specifically cited the small size of the lifts meant for persons with disabilities, as they cannot use the staircases, and the absence of a ramp. They said it is not good value for taxpayers’ money.
Greenpark matatu terminus.
Photo credit: File | Nation
The small size of spaces reserved for the 39 shops in the 176-metre-long underpass meant to facilitate the over 8,500 pedestrians crossing during the peak hours and over 21,000 pedestrians crossing per day, has also been questioned.
With the planned Nairobi Railway City, the pedestrian traffic around the area is bound to increase, lending credence to the separation of the Non-Motorised Traffic (NMT) facility from the motorised traffic, effectively reducing accidents.
“We cannot fail to point out some gaps. For a project worth Sh2 billion, we expected a better design than this,” said Ndia MP George Kariuki, who chairs the Transport and Infrastructure Committee.
Greenpark matatu terminus.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Nakuru Town West MP Samuel Arama said the poor quality of elevators and the absence of an alternative for persons with disabilities make the project shoddy.
“There is no value for money here,” he said. “While the law provides for a ramp for the people with disabilities, this one doesn’t have.”
Mr Arama added, “It is a good project, yes. But in case the elevators fail or there is no electricity to power them, what happens to people with disabilities?”
The absence of a ramp and the small elevators installed that can hardly accommodate two wheelchairs means that in case of power failure or elevator malfunction, Kenyans using wheelchairs will likely get stranded, exposing themselves to unnecessary risks.
PSV vehicles and passengers at Green Park terminus during a test run on June 18, 2021.
Photo credit: Jeff Angote | Nation Media Group
The project, under the construction of M/s China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), draws its financing from the Roads Maintenance Levy Fund (RMLF) and had a contract period of 12 months, with March 13, 2025, projected as the completion date.
However, the contractual period was extended by 4.7 months to August 3, 2025, as the revised works completion period, with an overall completion rate of 97 percent.
The project has four underpasses: the 106-metre tunnel across the Haile Selassie Avenue on the Central Business District (CBD) side and the curved underpass across Uhuru Highway on the Mombasa-bound side.
There is also a 29.6-metre underpass across Haile Selassie Avenue on the Upper Hill side and a 40.4-metre underpass across Uhuru Highway on the Westlands-bound side.
Greenpark matatu terminus.
Photo credit: File | Nation
Roads Principal Secretary Joseph Mbugua said, “We will look at the issues raised. We have to ensure that the value for money for Kenyans is visible. We will ensure that there is a 24-hour police patrol base around the facility and a holding room for those who have ulterior motives.”
The pending works include interior finishes, electrical and mechanical works, security system (CCTV) installation, utility service connections, landscaping, and the completion of the elevator installation.
Greenpark matatu terminus.
Photo credit: File | Nation
The project also entailed design and construction of drainage systems, including structures, culverts, and side drains; and relocation and accommodation of trunk services and utilities within the project site.
The project benefits entail reduced vehicular and pedestrian traffic conflict at the Green Park Bus Terminus and the Haile Selassie roundabout, improved safety of pedestrians and non-motorised traffic in Nairobi, and reduced travel times, “leading to faster and efficient transport services and improved logistics”.
