A section of Outer Ring Road in Nairobi.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) is moving forward with the Sh7.6 billion ($59 million) Outer Ring Road Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 5 project, despite facing legal challenges to the procurement process.
The project, running from Allsops to Taj Mall along the Outer Ring Road, aims to transform Nairobi’s transport. It officially entered its implementation phase with contract signing on March 4, 2026.
The 10.5-kilometre BRT Line 5 will feature a two-lane dedicated bus corridor along Outer Ring Road and is expected to be completed within two years.
The project includes the construction of three river bridges, two overpasses, 13 BRT stations, new footbridges, modifications to existing ones, installation of electrical and mechanical systems, street lighting, landscaping, and a comprehensive drainage system.
There are five BRT lines proposed in Nairobi. The first one is the Ndovu line, which runs from Kangemi, off Waiyaki Way, to Imara Daima off Mombasa Road. The second line, named Simba, emanates from the Bomas of Kenya area to Ruiru, off Thika Highway.
The third line, named Chui, kicks off at Njiru and then moves all the way to the Show Grounds near Jamhuru Estate off Ngong Road. The fourth line is christened Kifaru. This line starts off at Mama Lucy hospital area and then moves all the way to T-Mall on Langata road.
The fifth BRT line, Nyati, Allsops to Taj Mall along the Outer Ring Road.
Speaking on Wednesday, Kura Director General Silas Kinoti said that although the project had faced delays, the Authority was now committed to completing it quickly. The Authority had initially planned to start construction in January 2025, after the tendering process had been completed.
However, the signing of the contract with the Korea-based YOUNGJIN Joint Venture contractor now marks the start of the project's implementation phase.
“We are aware that this project has fallen behind the original schedule. Today’s signing marks a renewed commitment to fast-tracking its implementation. We will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the project is delivered efficiently and within the revised timelines for the benefit of the public,” said Kinoti.
The Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) Station at Safari Park along Thika Superhighway pictured on December 9, 2023. The multi-million shilling project with it's partially completed stages lies idle even as the idea to improve the city’s public transport network, reducing travel costs and time remain a pipe dream.
The project aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve mobility, and enhance connectivity within the Nairobi metropolitan area. BRT Line 5 is part of a broader initiative to introduce five BRT corridors across the city, modernising public transport and providing sustainable, reliable solutions for commuters.
Funding for the project was secured in 2024 through a Sh7.6 billion loan from the Korean Export-Import Bank under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund.
In January, CK Solutions Limited, a Korean multinational, through its local representation, Beyond Trading Limited, moved to the High Court seeking urgent intervention to suspend the award and execution of the BRT project.
The firm, filing the petition under a certificate of urgency, raised concerns over the procurement process conducted by Kura.
According to court documents, the firm is challenging the legality, fairness and constitutionality of Tender No. KURA/DEV/HQ/426/2024-2025, which concerns the establishment of BRT Line 5 and is currently pending before the court.
In the urgent application, the construction firm argued that the absence of interim conservatory orders placed it at risk of irreparable harm.
“That unless the Application filed herewith is certified as urgent and heard on a priority basis, the Respondents may proceed with the award and execution of the impugned tender, thereby rendering the Petition otiose and subjecting the Petitioner to substantial and irreversible prejudice,” read the application.
Without court intervention, the firm said that Kura may award the BRT Line 5 contract to another party. It argued that this would render the pending petition ineffective and deny it a fair review of the procurement process.
“In the absence of conservatory orders pending the hearing and determination of the petition, the petitioner states that there is a risk that the first respondent (the accounting officer) may proceed to award the tender to a party other than the petitioner, which would prejudice the petitioner and render the petition ineffective,” the application read in part.
The firm stated that the BRT Line 5 project is of significant financial and reputational importance.
It argued that any award of the tender prior to the court’s determination of the petition would cause losses and make urgent judicial intervention necessary to preserve the status quo.
Also Read: Why Nairobi is forever stuck in traffic
A section of Outer Ring Road in Nairobi.
Beyond Trading sought an order from the High Court to suspend all procurement proceedings and the execution of any contract related to the BRT Line 5 tender until the petition is fully determined.
The firm contends that this would safeguard its interests and ensure that the project's award is conducted transparently and in accordance with the law.
It argued that the court’s intervention is necessary to prevent the tender process from concluding before judicial review, as this could undermine confidence in public procurement processes.
Kenya has been seeking investors to set up a multi-billion-shilling BRT system in Nairobi, in the hope that it would alleviate traffic congestion. Each passing year has been touted as the start line.
Nonetheless, the Five-Line BRT project has received support and funding from the EU, Korea and Kenya over the years. The BRT approach is desirable for its environmental benefits and, hopefully, will transform public transport by introducing a cashless system.
From the outset of the Jubilee government, the project has aimed to transport over half a million people daily into and across Nairobi.
The government-led BRT system is a source of hope for many Kenyans. Once completed, it is expected to reduce traffic congestion on major routes such as Mombasa Road, Thika Road, Langata Road, Jogoo Road and Waiyaki Way.
It is also anticipated that the system will lower daily transport costs and create jobs during its construction and operation. Furthermore, it is expected to boost tourism by providing easier access to the airport.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for breaking news updates and more stories like this.
