MPs demand swift completion of Likoni Road bridge in Nairobi which has stalled for 3 years

Members of the National Assembly Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy led by Chairperson David Pkosing (right) and KURA officials during an inspection of ongoing works on Likoni Road and Enterprise Road on April 9, 2025. (Photo: KURA)

By Lucy Mumbi
Wednesday, April 9, 2025

The delay, according to the committee, stemmed from a change in the bridge’s design, which exceeded the initial estimated cost.

Members of Parliament have called for the immediate completion of the Likoni Road/Railway bridge project in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, which has stalled for the past three years, causing prolonged traffic disruptions on the newly dualled road.

The Public Investments Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy (PICC) said the delay is obstructing the intended improvements to the region’s transport infrastructure.

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During an inspection of the ongoing works, Committee Chair David Pkosing called on Kenya Railways Managing Director Phillip Mainga and the Director-General of Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Silas Kinoti to resolve the issues delaying the project.

“This government project must be completed within the set timeline and provide value for the public,” Pkosing said.

“The public deserves to get the benefits of the government’s investment. My committee expects that by Tuesday, the 15th of April, this matter will be resolved.”

The delay, according to the committee, stemmed from a change in the bridge’s design, which exceeded the initial estimated cost. The new design was proposed by Kenya Railways, leading to a cost overrun and a halt in progress.

The broader project, which includes the rehabilitation of Shreeji Road and parts of Likoni and Enterprise roads, has been ongoing for three years. As of the latest update, 1.6 kilometres of Likoni Road is 98 per cent complete, while 2.1 kilometres of Enterprise Road is 86 per cent complete, and Shreeji Road is 73 per cent complete.

Kinoti assured the committee that KURA remains committed to the timely completion of this and other national urban road projects.

“We are dedicated to transforming urban mobility and working with all stakeholders to achieve that goal,” he said.

Nyeri Town MP Duncan Mathenge questioned whether KURA would cover the additional costs arising from the expanded bridge design, which was not part of the original budget. In response, Kinoti confirmed that the expansion was an unforeseen requirement which needed additional funding.

Turkana South MP John Ariko, the committee’s vice-chairperson, also emphasised the need for collaboration between Kenya Railways and KURA to jointly fund the bridge expansion. He also pointed out that the project was long overdue.

Pkosing instructed that the bridge construction be completed by June 2025 but noted that the proposed elevation of the bridge by two meters to 7.1 meters, as requested by Kenya Railways, would be addressed when the electric railway is implemented.

“The government has invested in this project to ease traffic congestion in the Industrial Area, and it is essential that the public gets value for money with its prompt completion,” Pkosing said.

The Auditor General had flagged the delay in the project, which was initially scheduled for completion in September 2022.

The committee’s engagement with the project’s resources aims to ensure the prudent use of government funds moving forward.