County Unveils Plan to Upgrade Nairobi Industrial Roads
The Nairobi City County Government has announced a comprehensive plan to upgrade and modernize key industrial roads across the capital, aiming to boost economic productivity and ease the movement of goods and services. The initiative, unveiled by Governor Johnson Sakaja, will focus on critical routes serving the Industrial Area, Embakasi, and Ruaraka industrial zones, which have long suffered from severe congestion and deteriorating infrastructure. The project represents a significant investment in Nairobi’s economic infrastructure, targeting roads that serve as vital arteries for manufacturing, logistics, and trade.
The upgrade program will involve complete road rehabilitation, including the construction of durable carriageways, modern drainage systems, dedicated loading and unloading bays, and improved street lighting for enhanced security. The county will also implement intelligent traffic management systems to optimize traffic flow and reduce the congestion that currently costs businesses millions in lost productivity and fuel. Our industrial areas are the engines of Nairobi’s economy, but they have been hampered by inadequate road infrastructure. This upgrade program will directly support business efficiency, reduce operational costs, and make Nairobi a more attractive destination for investment, stated Governor Sakaja during the plan’s launch at the Likoni Road interchange.
The business community has welcomed the announcement with widespread approval, citing the direct impact of poor road conditions on their bottom lines. The Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) highlighted that logistics costs and delivery delays resulting from poor road networks have been a major constraint to growth. For years, our members have struggled with damaged vehicles, delayed deliveries, and increased operational costs due to the state of industrial roads. This intervention is long overdue and will significantly enhance the competitiveness of Nairobi-based industries, said KAM Chief Executive Anthony Mwangi. Transport and logistics companies also expressed relief, anticipating faster turnaround times and reduced vehicle maintenance costs.
The long-term success of the upgrade plan will depend on sustainable funding and meticulous project management to minimize disruption during construction. The county government has committed to a phased implementation approach and will work closely with industry stakeholders to schedule works in a way that least impacts business operations. This is not just a road construction project; it is an economic stimulus package. By fixing our industrial roads, we are directly supporting job creation, boosting manufacturing, and strengthening Nairobi’s position as a regional economic hub, affirmed County Executive for Roads and Transport, Eng. Michael Gumo. The project is expected to commence in the next financial year, with initial focus on the most critically degraded sections.