The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has revealed fresh details of a new centrally aligned median bus bay set to be constructed in Westlands under the ongoing upgrade of the James Gichuru Road Junction-Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (A8/B10) Highway.
Unlike conventional bus stops located along the roadside, the new facility will be built at the centre of the highway, introducing a different approach to public transport infrastructure in Nairobi.
The plans were disclosed after KeNHA officials, led by Corridor A Director Engineer Denis Odeck, met officials from the Westlands Matatu Owners Association to discuss the relocation of public service vehicles ahead of construction works.
According to KeNHA, the meeting focused on traffic management arrangements, including passenger pick-up and drop-off schedules, designated U-turn locations, public washrooms and the design of footbridges that will provide access to the new station.
How the New Bus Bay Will Work
The centrally aligned median bus bay will allow buses and matatus to stop in the middle of the carriageway instead of the outer lanes, a design intended to minimise conflicts with vehicles accessing nearby properties while improving traffic flow.
The concept is widely used on high-capacity public transport corridors, enabling buses to move in and out of dedicated lanes more efficiently as passengers access stations through pedestrian footbridges or controlled crossings.
Unlike traditional roadside bus stops, which often slow traffic as vehicles merge into and out of the outer lane, median stations separate public transport from general traffic, helping reduce delays while enhancing road safety.
The planned facility will also feature non-motorised transport infrastructure, including pedestrian facilities to provide safer access for commuters crossing the highway.
"The planned improvements are expected to enhance traffic flow, improve safety for non-motorised transport users, and support more efficient public transport operations within the Westlands area," KeNHA said.
KeNHA noted that the broader highway upgrade is aimed at reducing congestion, improving road safety and creating a more efficient transport network along the busy corridor connecting Nairobi's western suburbs with the city centre and JKIA.
The stakeholder consultations were also attended by Parklands Base Commander Chief Inspector of Police Ann Kinya as authorities coordinated traffic management and public transport operations during the construction period.
The works form part of the wider capacity enhancement, landscaping and beautification programme currently underway along the A8/B10 corridor.
