The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has rejected claims that private developers have taken over land along Kenyatta Avenue, confirming instead that the site is part of a government-funded viaduct construction project. Speaking at the site on Friday, KURA officials said the structures visible on the road’s median are temporary barriers put in place to support ongoing construction and ensure pedestrian and motorist safety.
“These are not residential or commercial buildings,” Engineer Benjamin told reporters during a site briefing. “What is being constructed is a viaduct to help reduce congestion in the city center.”
The viaduct is designed to create an elevated road connection from Uhuru Highway to Moi Avenue, extending toward Haile Selassie Avenue. The project aims to reduce traffic bottlenecks within Nairobi’s Central Business District by providing alternative elevated access.
KURA’s clarification follows days of speculation on social media, where images of the construction barriers sparked concerns that a private development was being erected on public land. The agency has now confirmed that construction activities resumed this week after a short pause.
According to the updated traffic improvement plan, the viaduct project is part of a broader urban mobility initiative. Other components include an interchange at the Valley Road–Kenyatta Avenue–Ngong Road–Nyerere Road junction and an overpass linking Upper Hill to Haile Selassie Avenue.
The authority said it remains committed to keeping the public informed and assured Nairobi residents that no private acquisition of public land has occurred at the site.
“We understand the concerns raised by the public and are committed to transparency,” Engineer Benjamin added. “This project is part of our larger plan to ease traffic and improve connectivity within Nairobi.”
The viaduct is one of several ongoing efforts by the government to modernize Nairobi’s transport network. While no specific completion timeline was provided, KURA said progress will be communicated regularly to avoid misinformation.
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