The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has unveiled plans to construct an 18.9-kilometre road network around the Raila Odinga Talanta International Stadium and the Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC) as part of efforts to ease traffic flow and boost road capacity in the area.
According to the agency, the proposed infrastructure is intended to improve traffic circulation for motorists around the two facilities, which are expected to experience increased activity in the coming months.
Details of the proposal are contained in an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) report, which has been submitted to the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) for consideration.
The report states that the planned road network will pass through Dagoretti South, Kibra and Lang’ata constituencies in Nairobi County.
“The Proponent, Kenya Urban Roads Authority, proposes to construct an approximately 18.9 km road network to enhance traffic circulation and capacity in support of the Talanta Sports City Stadium and Bomas International Convention Centre (BICC) traversing Dagoretti South, Kibra, and Lang’ata Constituencies in Nairobi City County,” the report read.
The proposal comes as Kenya ramps up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is scheduled to kick off on June 19, 2027.
Although the completion date for Talanta Stadium has not been officially confirmed, Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya had earlier indicated that the facility was expected to be ready by the end of July.
KURA said the planned road upgrades are designed to improve accessibility and traffic management around both the stadium and the neighbouring BICC, which is also under construction.
The ESIA report highlights several potential environmental effects associated with the project, including vegetation clearing, disruption of wildlife habitats, noise pollution, dust and air pollution, waste generation, and increased demand for water during construction.
To mitigate these impacts, KURA proposes protecting trees that will not be removed, carrying out compensatory tree planting, rehabilitating disturbed areas and collaborating with relevant agencies on environmental conservation initiatives.
The authority also plans to minimise construction-related disruptions by limiting activities in environmentally sensitive areas, controlling dust, maintaining construction machinery, enforcing proper waste management procedures and restricting operations within affected zones.
Additionally, the report recommends proper wastewater management, erosion control measures and strict adherence to environmental regulations throughout the construction phase.
The project is yet to receive final approval, with NEMA expected to review the ESIA report before determining whether to grant the necessary environmental clearance.
