Construction of the new Kihunguro Footbridge along the Thika Superhighway is progressing, with the project expected to enhance pedestrian safety and improve traffic flow once completed.
In a statement on Monday, August 10, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the ongoing project, being implemented by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), is designed to provide pedestrians with a safer alternative to crossing the busy highway at street level while addressing congestion and accident risks in the Ruiru area.
"The busy road is routinely crossed on foot by pedestrians, despite the risks involved, making the area particularly dangerous and contributing to significant traffic congestion in Ruiru," the statement read.
According to Omollo, the new infrastructure is expected to replace the existing street-level crossing, which has been identified as an accident-prone section along the busy highway.
"The modern overhead footbridge replaces a busy street-level zebra crossing, eliminating a long-standing accident blackspot and improving the safe, uninterrupted movement of pedestrians and motorists along this busy corridor," the statement added.
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The footbridge has also been designed to accommodate different categories of users, including persons with disabilities and pedestrians carrying goods.
"The bridge features a conventional staircase on one side and a gentle access ramp on the other, ensuring safe and convenient use by persons with disabilities, wheelchair users and those transporting goods," the statement further read.
Upon completion, Omollo the project is expected to improve safety for pedestrians while reducing disruptions to motorists caused by people crossing the highway.
"Once complete, it will significantly reduce pedestrian-related accidents while easing congestion caused by frequent road crossings, which currently disrupt the smooth flow of traffic along this busy section of Thika Road," the statement concluded.
Elsewhere, several markets being developed across Kiambu are at different stages of completion, with some already operational and serving traders.
In a statement on Sunday, August 9, Omollo said 30 markets are being developed across Kiambu County under the ESP, with Kawaida ESP Market in Kiambaa Sub-County among the projects nearing completion.
"While several of the 30 markets being developed across Kiambu County under the Government's Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) have already been completed and are operational, others remain at various stages of construction, collectively transforming trade infrastructure, empowering small-scale traders and accelerating inclusive economic growth," the statement read.
Omollo said the Kawaida market is designed to provide traders with organized spaces and modern facilities intended to improve their trading experience.
"Kawaida ESP Market in Kiambaa Sub-County is among these transformative investments, providing organized trading spaces for hundreds of traders alongside modern amenities, including cold storage facilities, lactation rooms, clean ablution blocks, an ICT hub and social halls," the statement added.
Omollo said the project has also generated employment during its construction and is expected to create further economic opportunities through related services.
"In addition to improving the trading environment, the project has created employment during construction while opening up new opportunities across transport, supply chains and other supporting services, strengthening livelihoods and stimulating the local economy," the statement concluded.
