Kilimani residents have come out to oppose the proposed expansion of State House Road into a dual carriageway, citing environmental concerns and doubts over its long-term impact on Nairobi’s traffic congestion.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

The project, which covers the stretch between the University Way roundabout and Gate D, has been proposed by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) at an estimated cost of KSh1.6 billion as part of efforts to ease rush-hour traffic along the busy corridor.

Through the Kilimani Community Foundation (KCF), an umbrella body representing residents in the area, concerns have been raised that the project could worsen traffic bottlenecks, reduce green spaces, and fail to address the underlying causes of congestion in the city.

"There is concern that increasing road capacity may induce additional demand by attracting more motorists to use the corridor, ultimately worsening congestion rather than reducing it," KCF Board Chairperson Irene Aguttu said in the letter.

📌 What You Need to Know

According to the Green Belt Movement, dozens of mature trees lining the road, some estimated to be more than 60 years old, have been marked with a red 'X' for removal.

“The trees play a critical role in improving air quality, absorbing pollutants, reducing urban heat, preventing flooding through their established root systems, and providing habitat for birds and other wildlife,” the organisation argues.

Kilimani residents have also questioned whether the road expansion will solve Nairobi's persistent traffic congestion.

In a letter addressed to Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director General Silas Kinoti, the residents urged authorities to reconsider the project and explore alternative solutions that balance mobility needs with environmental conservation.

KURA says the government intends to spend about KSh1.6 billion on the road upgrade as part of efforts to improve traffic movement along the State House Road corridor, which is often affected by rush-hour congestion.

KCF later proposed developing dedicated cycling lanes, separated from pedestrian paths, as part of efforts to encourage safer and more sustainable transport.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke