The government has unveiled plans to spend KSh 1.6 billion on the rehabilitation of State House Road in Nairobi, a move that has sparked public debate given the road’s strategic importance and the country’s current economic pressures.
According to a tender notice issued by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), the project will involve a comprehensive upgrade of the key road that links Nairobi’s Central Business District to State House and several high-profile government offices. The tender was published in December, inviting contractors to bid for the works as part of a wider national roads programme.
The rehabilitation of State House Road is listed among 92 road projects planned across the country, with the overall programme estimated to cost about KSh 15.6 billion. While the government says the works are aimed at improving road quality, safety and durability, the allocation of such a large sum to a single road has drawn mixed reactions from Kenyans.
State House Road is considered a high-security and strategic route, often subject to heavy security deployments, especially during periods of political tension or protests. In recent years, parts of the road have shown signs of wear, with motorists raising concerns over surface damage and drainage challenges during heavy rains.
📰 Also Read This:
However, critics argue that the cost of the project is excessive and question whether the funds could be better spent on deteriorating roads in residential areas or rural regions that directly affect the daily lives of ordinary Kenyans. Supporters of the project, on the other hand, maintain that the road’s national importance justifies the investment.
If awarded, the contract will see the winning firm undertake full rehabilitation works, which are expected to include resurfacing, improvement of drainage systems and related road infrastructure. KURA has not yet announced when construction will begin, but the project is expected to commence once the tendering process is completed and approvals granted.
As the government pushes ahead with its infrastructure agenda, the planned State House Road upgrade is likely to remain under public scrutiny amid growing calls for transparency and value for money in public spending
