President Uhuru launches construction of JKIA-Westlands Expressway [Photos]

President Uhuru Kenyatta during the launch of the construction of the JKIA-James Gichuru Express way.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has today officially launched the construction of JKIA-James Gichuru road Express way project.

Accompanied by Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and other leaders, Uhuru launched the 27Km road project that is set to ease traffic congestion on Mombasa road and mobility in the city.

The project which is set to be implemented by Kenha, will be a four lane dual carriageway

The expressway will have 10 interchanges, including the SGR terminus at JKIA, Eastern Bypass, Southern Bypass and Enterprise Road.

An artistic impression of JKIA-Westlands expressway.

Currently, it is estimated that up to 60,000 vehicles ply the JKIA-Westland route daily. About 25,000 motorists are expected to use the tolled express highway when completed.

The expressway project is part of the Government’s plan to reduce traffic jams in the city centre by completing a ring road and four link roads. The World Bank estimates that Nairobi’s traffic jams cost the country about Sh50 million daily in lost man hours.

Governor Mike Sonko gives a speech during the ground breaking ceremony.

The recurrent traffic jams along Mombasa Road have also been blamed for causing hundreds of passengers to miss flights.