The long-awaited completion of the Sh6.2 billion Athi River–Machakos turnoff dual carriageway has finally eased traffic congestion along the busy stretch and sparked a wave of business growth.
This comes after the contractor officially handed over the road to the Kenya National Highway Authority (Kenha).
The 20-kilometre road, an extension of the Mombasa Road dual carriageway notorious for traffic jams and frequent accidents, was first commissioned in 2017.
“We have handed the infrastructure to the government. It’s of high quality and only requires routine maintenance,” said Li Zhengxin, the firm’s external relations manager, during an inspection.
The construction progress stalled in 2019 after a dispute between the contractor and 76 business owners over delayed compensation.
The National Land Commission (NLC) had gazetted affected persons in 2018 and recommended their compensation after land valuation.
President Kenyatta officially launches construction works for a second carriageway at Athi River-Machakos turnoff, en route to Machakos for the Mashujaa Day celebrations, October 20, 2016. Photo | PSCU
The Covid-19 pandemic further slowed construction, leaving only 13 kilometres complete at the time.
Despite the setbacks, the road was redesigned to include three interchanges—at Green Park Estate, Daystar University junction, and Mua—as well as two flyovers.
Both the Athi River and Stone Athi River bridges were elevated to withstand floods, while the road’s slopes were landscaped to prevent erosion and improve aesthetics.
“Land acquisition challenges and the pandemic delayed us for years. But the completion of this dual carriageway will spur economic growth and ease transport along one of the country’s most critical arteries,” said China Railways 21st Bureau Group Project Manager Du Renwei.
Renwei noted that the use of flyovers instead of roundabouts will ease traffic flow, allow safe animal crossings, and better accommodate heavy trailers without sharp bends.
A spot check by the Nation showed rapid business expansion along the new road. Major eateries have set up outlets, new residential estates are springing up, and commercial buildings are on the rise. Investors are flocking to the area, with landlords reporting rent hikes—some tripling in just three months.
Mr John Mutuku, a Nairobi commuter, said his journey from the city centre to his Green Park home in Athi River now takes just 30 minutes via the Nairobi Expressway.
“This road was long overdue. Athi River has become Nairobi’s bedroom, and now more PSVs are plying the route,” he said.
Besides the road project, the contractor has invested in community projects under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), including building schools and access roads.
The Athi River–Machakos dual carriageway now stands as a landmark infrastructure project, promising to transform transport, unlock investment, and reshape the socio-economic landscape of the region.
