AfDB-funded Thika Superhighway: A masterpiece for East Africa “A national pride” – President Mwai Kibaki
10 November 2012
African Development Bank - The 50-km Nairobi–Thika superhighway, described by Kenya’s President Mwai Kibaki as a source of “national pride” during its launch on November 9, covers an area that lies within the Nairobi Metropolitan and Central Province, including large sections of the City and Thika district. The road traverses Kasarani, Githurai, Ruiru, Juja and ends at Thika River Bridge in Thika district. The total population living along the road is approximately 1 million.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has contributed the largest share of the US $360 million total cost.
Works on the previous highways have involved construction of additional lanes and the removal of roundabouts at several locations replaced by interchanges.
AfDB financing: US $180 million
The construction between downtown Nairobi and Kenyatta University have been financed by the AfDB and the Kenyan Government to the tune of US $260 million. The AfDB financed the project with a package of US $180 million through its concessional window, the African Development Fund, including a loan of US $175 million (civil works and related consultancy services) and a grant worth US $5 million (feasibility study and detailed design of a mass rapid-transit system for the Nairobi Metropolitan area). The Kenyan Government contributed US $80 million towards the road project.
Category: Transport