Inside KURA's Sh7.3 billion tender for Outering Road's BRT project

The Kenya National Highways Authority has announced a five-day closure of a section of Thika Superhighway (A2) at Juja High Point.(Photo: KeNHA)

By Maureen Kinyanjui
Tuesday, September 24, 2024

A dedicated BRT depot, measuring 1,365 square meters, will be built to support the system's operations, complete with parking facilities, access roads, and necessary fencing.

The highly anticipated construction of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) line in the city is set to commence in 2025, following the government's successful acquisition of a Sh7.6 billion loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea.

The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), responsible for implementing this significant infrastructure project, on Tuesday, announced that the tender would be limited to Korean firms, ensuring compliance with the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) guidelines.

This ambitious initiative aims to transform urban transport and significantly reduce traffic congestion.

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The project will cover a total distance of 10.5 kilometres, featuring a two-lane BRT line designed to improve commuter efficiency.

Among the key developments are three river bridges and two overpass bridges, measuring approximately 1024 meters and 323 meters, respectively.

Additionally, KURA plans to construct 13 BRT stations along the route, with new footbridges and upgrades to existing pedestrian pathways.

Further enhancements include the installation of a comprehensive drainage system, street lighting, and landscaping to beautify the area.

A dedicated BRT depot, measuring 1,365 square meters, will be built to support the system's operations, complete with parking facilities, access roads, and necessary fencing.

This depot will serve as a critical hub for the BRT system, facilitating smooth vehicle operations and maintenance.

Sustainability is a core focus of the project, with plans to incorporate electric buses.

Charging stations will be strategically placed along the route, promoting eco-friendly transportation options.

The buses will also be equipped with advanced technology, including vehicle tracking and surveillance systems to ensure passenger safety and operational efficiency.

Bidding for the project will adhere to Competitive Bidding (CB) procedures as outlined by the EDCF loans. Interested bidders can obtain the necessary documents at KURA's Barabara Plaza office for a non-refundable fee of Sh50,000.

A pre-bidding meeting is scheduled for October 15, followed by a mandatory site visit. All bids are set to be opened on November 19.

To qualify for the tender, bidders must demonstrate significant experience, having completed at least two similar projects in the last ten years.

They are also required to show a positive net worth over the past three years. Contractors must have worked on at least two construction sites, each valued at a minimum of Sh2.6 billion, and demonstrate liquid assets, real assets, and lines of credit totalling Sh650 million.

The BRT system aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide a cost-effective, efficient mode of transport for Nairobi's diverse population.

his development is a significant step towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced public transportation system in Nairobi.

BRT is part of the Nairobi Integrated Urban Development Master Plan, which is being implemented to end vehicular congestion in the CBD.

To decongest the city, Nairobi Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (Namata) gazetted five BRT lines, which are in different phases of development.

Line 1, Ndovu, runs from Limuru-Kangemi-CBD-Imara Daima-Athi River and Kitengela.

Line 2, Simba, runs from Rongai-Bomas-Langata Road-CBD-Ruiru-Thika and Kenol. It is 70 per cent complete and will be implemented in two pilot phases.

Phase one will start from Kasarani to Kenyatta National Hospital while the second phase will begin from Ruiru and terminate at KNH.

Line 2 will consist of 13 intermediate stations with 24 platforms.

A park-and-ride facility is also being erected at Kasarani. It will enable motorists heading to the CBD to leave their vehicles and use BRT buses for the remainder of the journey.

Line 3, Chui, runs from Tala-Njiru-Dandora (Juja road)-CBD-Show Ground (Ngong road) and Ngong.

Line 4, Kifaru, comprises of East and West. The East one runs from Mama Lucy Hospital-Donholm (Jogoo road)-CBD.

The West one runs from CBD- T Mall-Bomas-Karen and Kikuyu.