Why Are Massive Pillars Appearing on Kenyatta Avenue?
Kenyans online have been buzzing with questions and jokes about the unusual concrete pillars popping up along Kenyatta Avenue in Nairobi. On platforms like TikTok, X, and Facebook, videos went viral as people humorously asked, “Nani amejenga nyumba Kenyatta Avenue?” and teased about applying for affordable housing in the city center.
In a humorous but informative reply, the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) posted, “Surely, surely, hii si nyumba. Aje sasa watu wangu? Tunajenga viaduct.” The agency confirmed that the structures are not houses, but part of a viaduct under construction to ease Nairobi’s traffic flow.
What Is the Purpose of the Kenyatta Avenue Viaduct?
KURA explained that the viaduct will connect Valley Road, Ngong Road, and Haile Selassie Avenue, creating a smoother exit for motorists from the CBD to Ngong Road near the Kenya National Library. The goal is to reduce congestion and eliminate junction gridlocks that frequently paralyze traffic in this part of Nairobi.
Engineer Benjamin Asin, Assistant Director at KURA, provided further clarity on-site:
“I have seen many questions. Watu wanauliza, ‘Nani anajenga nyumba kwa barabara?’ I just want to clarify, these are not houses. They are temporary hoarding structures. We are trying to protect the working environment, the construction area, and also the motorists. As you realise, we are building a viaduct, which requires heavy machinery.”
How Is the Project Funded and What Caused the Delay?
The project is part of the broader Valley Road–Kenyatta Avenue/Ngong/Nyerere Road Interchange and the Upper Hill Haile Selassie Overpass development. It began in September 2020 but was paused due to unpaid contractor bills. The government, under President William Ruto, reported inheriting Ksh.175 billion in unpaid road bills affecting over 580 contractors, some dating as far back as 2016.
To fix the issue, the state adopted a funding approach called securitisation, avoiding new public debt by redirecting part of the Road Maintenance Levy Fund. Through this method, seven shillings out of every Ksh.25 collected per litre of fuel over 10 years will help settle old bills and revive projects.
By July 2025, 393 of the 580 stalled road projects had resumed, including the Kenyatta Avenue viaduct. Safety structures, including strong hoardings, have already been installed to protect both workers and motorists during construction. The revised completion date is set for 17th December 2026.
By Lucky Anyanje
