KURA dispels rumours over ‘strange structures’ on Kenyatta Avenue
Speaking on-site, KURA Engineer Benjamin Asin explained that the structures are protective enclosures put up to shield both the work area and motorists during the ongoing construction.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has clarified the purpose of the unusual structures recently spotted along Kenyatta Avenue, dismissing speculation that residential buildings were being erected on the roadside.
According to KURA, the structures, which sparked social media chatter and public curiosity, are in fact temporary installations to support the construction of a major viaduct in Nairobi.
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Speaking on-site, KURA Engineer Benjamin Asin explained that the structures are protective enclosures put up to shield both the work area and motorists during the ongoing construction.
“Watu wanauliza nani anajenga nyumba kwa barabara? These are not houses,” said Engineer Asin. “These are temporary hoarding structures meant to protect our work area and road users as we build the viaduct.”
A viaduct is a long bridge-like structure, typically consisting of a series of arches, piers, or columns, that carries a road or railway over a valley, river, or other low-lying terrain.
He noted that the works involve the installation of heavy machinery, making the hoardings essential for safety in this busy, high-traffic area.
Asin further explained that the viaduct will connect Valley Road to Kenyatta Avenue, and is expected to significantly ease congestion by allowing through-traffic to bypass major junctions, which often experience gridlock. He stressed that the barriers are only temporary and are standard safety measures on large-scale infrastructure projects.
The viaduct is part of a broader infrastructure upgrade, which also includes the Valley Road–Kenyatta Avenue/Ngong Road/Nyerere Road Interchange and the Upper Hill–Haile Selassie Overpass.
Acknowledging the humorous speculation and social media memes that emerged following the appearance of the structures, Asin said he had seen residents joking that KURA was constructing “roadside apartments.” He reassured the public that no housing is being built on the road.
“We need very reliable protection in this busy area to ensure safety and efficiency,” he said.
The roadworks are expected to ease congestion in Upper Hill and the CBD once complete, improving connectivity and reducing commute times for thousands of motorists daily.
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