KeNHA to spend Sh42 million in beautifying Mombasa Road

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) will spend Sh42 million beautifying Mombasa Road, which extends from Athi River to Westlands.

According to KeNHA Director-General Kungu Ndung'u, this aims to enhance the visual appeal of a critical artery that serves as the main gateway to Nairobi from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Appearing before the Senate, the DG revealed that two contractors had been engaged to carry out the facelift.

The first contractor, with a budget of Sh18 million, will revitalise the lower deck of the road between the James Gichuru interchange and the Ole Sereni Hotel interchange.

The second contractor will focus on the segment from the Ole Sereni Hotel interchange to Athi River and has been allocated Sh24 million for this task.

"We have hired two contractors to beautify Mombasa Road. We intend to undertake a facelift of the road given the importance of this artery," Kungu said.

He acknowledged the current state of the road, which has drawn criticism from lawmakers.

Tharaka Nithi Senator Mwenda Gataya highlighted the poor condition of Mombasa Road, noting that it is often the first impression visitors have of Kenya.

"The road is very dusty and bushy yet it is our entry point from the airport. This road is the face of Kenya," he stated.

In response to the concerns, DG Kungu assured the committee that KeNHA has been actively repairing the road and anticipates that drainage works will be completed by November.

The beautification efforts will commence once these repairs are finalised.

Additionally, KeNHA addressed the committee's inquiry into procurement opportunities for disadvantaged groups, including women, youth, and persons with disabilities. He reported that in the Financial Year 2023-2024, KeNHA had reserved Sh1.73 billion, 35 per cent of its procurement budget of Sh4.93 billion for these groups.

In the previous year, Sh3.27 billion was allocated from a total budget of Sh10.43 billion.

"KeNHA ensures reservation of 30 per cent of the procurable budget is allocated to the disadvantaged group," Kungu stated.

He clarified that while determining the budget for special groups, ongoing development projects are excluded since they are primarily externally funded.

Despite these efforts, DG Kungu acknowledged the challenges in meeting procurement requirements for disadvantaged groups, particularly due to capacity building and budget revisions.

"At times it poses challenges in the allocation of the 30 per cent requirement since the majority of the disadvantaged group are still in the process of building capacity," he explained.