The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced planned drainage upgrades along the James Gichuru Road Junction–Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) Highway (A8) as it moves to improve stormwater management along the busy Nairobi corridor.
The authority outlined the plans during a stakeholder engagement held on Wednesday, September 22, bringing together local leaders, government officials, administrators and residents from Imara Daima, Mukuru kwa Njenga and Kware wards.
Embakasi South Member of Parliament Julius Mawathe was among those who attended the meeting, which discussed the proposed infrastructure works and their potential impact on communities living along the highway.
KeNHA said the project will include improvements to the Imara Daima drainage system and the construction of six culverts at key crossing points leading towards the Ngong River crossing.
“The proposed works include lining the Imara Daima Canal and constructing six box culverts at strategic crossing points extending to the Ngong River crossing, as part of ongoing capacity enhancement, landscaping, and beautification works,” the authority wrote in an update.
According to KeNHA, the drainage works are aimed at increasing the highway's capacity to manage stormwater while addressing persistent drainage challenges along the A8.
The authority added that the upgrades are expected to improve road safety and reduce the risk of damage to transport infrastructure caused by uncontrolled runoff.
Residents and other stakeholders were briefed on the proposed works during the engagement and given an opportunity to raise concerns and offer feedback on the planned construction activities.
KeNHA said it would implement measures to minimise disruptions to nearby communities and institutions during the construction period.
The project comes as the authority steps up drainage interventions on major roads in Nairobi ahead of the October–December rainy season.
The city has previously experienced severe flooding following heavy rains, resulting in deaths, displacement and extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
Nairobi County has also established multi-agency teams covering drainage and infrastructure, emergency response, evacuation, shelter, security, traffic management and communication as part of preparations for the rainy season.
Meanwhile, the James Gichuru Junction recently experienced traffic changes following maintenance works on the Nairobi Expressway's Westlands overpass.
The works temporarily diverted motorists travelling towards the Central Business District from the junction to Waiyaki Way over the weekend.
