A section of Kiambu Road/FILEThe planned expansion of Kiambu Road now hangs in balance after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) halted the tendering process, a week after inviting contractors to submit prequalification bids.
KeNHA announced this through a notice dated July 22 without providing any details for the cancellation.
The agency had on July 15 kick-started the process of upgrading the road by inviting Chinese contractors to submit the prequalification applications.
In the notice, the applicants were required to complete the prequalification document and demonstrate that they are qualified to perform the services.
These included technical capabilities, financial capabilities, description of similar assignments, experience in similar assignments or conditions and availability of appropriate skills among staff.
The deadline for submission had been set for Friday, August 22, 2025, at 11am.
“To be considered for prequalification, applicants must demonstrate that they have achieved a minimum annual construction turnover of $250 million (Sh32 billion) for the last five years calculated as the sum of all total certified annual payments received for contracts in progress and/or completed divided by the number of years,” the notice read.
“The financing agreements shall be signed upon finalisation of the commercial contract,” it said.
The prequalification process followed a decision by the agency confirming it had received commitment from China through the China Export-Import (EXIM) Bank to finance the project.
The scope of the works included the capacity enhancement of the road covering Pangani–Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi (B32) and the adjacent road network.
It involved expanding it from a two-lane single carriageway to a four-lane dual highway with two service lanes on both sides.
Prequalification applications are used by organisations to evaluate potential suppliers or contractors before formally inviting them to bid on a project or contract.
This process helps organisations to identify those with the necessary qualifications and resources, saving time and resources later in the procurement process.
According to KeNHA, the project would significantly improve traffic flow along the eastern part of the Nairobi Metropolitan area. It targets key corridors including parts of Kiambu Road and the Thika Superhighway.
"The project will also improve the level of service and safety for road users and enhance accessibility through service roads and non-motorised transport facilities," KeNHA stated.
The works will be implemented in accordance with the FIDIC Silver Book, a standard form contract used in international construction particularly for Engineer-Procure-Construct (EPC) or Turnkey projects.
It is designed to transfer significant risk to the contractor, offering the employer cost and time certainty.
A total of six pedestrian footbridges was also be installed along the route.
Some of the main components of the project include the Muthaiga – Kiambu Road – Ndumberi stretch and key spurs such as Ridgeways Road, Kiambu Road to Thika Road, and UN Avenue through Runda.
Several road junctions will also be upgraded. The construction period was set at 36 months, with a 24-month defects notification period.
Some other scope of works included road furniture, signage, traffic management, and provision of bus bays. KeNHA emphasised that the project is aimed at easing congestion and improve mobility along the corridor.
“Upgrading of the entire project road to a four-lane dual carriageway, including pedestrian walkways, will ensure better service delivery,” the notice further read.
