Upper Hill–Kenyatta Avenue viaduct /HANDOUT
The Sh3 billion Upper Hill–Kenyatta Avenue Viaduct has reached 60 per cent completion, marking a milestone in one of Nairobi's flagship road infrastructure projects aimed at easing traffic congestion.
The Office of the Government Spokesman announced the progress in a statement posted on its social media platforms, saying the project, located near All Saints Cathedral, is steadily taking shape.
"Once completed, the project will significantly improve access to Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) and help ease traffic congestion," the office said.
The elevated road is designed to provide a direct connection between Nairobi's CBD and the Upper Hill commercial district, allowing motorists to bypass some of the city's busiest intersections that have long been associated with heavy traffic delays.
The viaduct stretches along Kenyatta Avenue from the Integrity Centre to the Serena Hotel and forms part of a wider road improvement programme that includes the Upper Hill–Haile Selassie Overpass and the Valley Road–Kenyatta Avenue/Ngong Road/Nyerere Road Interchange.
Once operational, the elevated corridor is expected to reduce travel times for thousands of motorists accessing Upper Hill, which hosts numerous government offices, corporate headquarters, financial institutions and diplomatic missions.
Civil works are being undertaken by the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), with construction progressing in phases to minimise disruption to road users while maintaining safety and structural standards.
The project has experienced several setbacks since construction began in September 2020.
Works stalled for years due to payment disputes involving the contractor, slowing progress and drawing criticism from motorists frustrated by prolonged traffic congestion and construction-related disruptions.
However, construction resumed in July 2025 after the government secured financing under President William Ruto's administration, allowing the contractor to return to the site and accelerate implementation.
The government is now targeting completion and opening of the viaduct to motorists before the end of 2026.
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has attributed the delays to the technical complexity of the project, particularly the installation of massive support columns and steel structural components required for the elevated roadway.
According to the authority, the construction involves precision engineering that must be executed in carefully planned phases to guarantee the flyover's long-term safety and durability.
The Upper Hill–Kenyatta Avenue Viaduct is part of the government's broader strategy to modernise Nairobi's transport network through the construction of grade-separated interchanges and elevated roads aimed at improving mobility, reducing congestion and supporting the city's growing commercial activities.
