Written By Mary Mumbua 📝
Over 20,000 motorists have used the expressway since it opened last Saturday, confirming that it is helping to relieve congestion in the city.
The 27-kilometer air road connecting Mlolongo and Westlands is expected to reduce traffic congestion in the city.
Speaking to the media during the opening of the expressway, Infrastructure and Transport CS James Macharia said he drove from Westlands to the JKIA turn-off in 8 minutes, as opposed to the previous 2 hours.
“It’s one of the best infrastructure ever done in Africa, in fact it is the longest expressway on Africa,” he said.
Another motorist posted a Tweet, saying it took him 15 minutes to drive from Mlolongo to Westlands.
“15 minutes from Mlolongo to Westlands.” @Brianmimi tweeted.
The Contractor CRBC has rolled out systems to ease collection, which has been a headache to cash paying motorists.
Kenyans trooping to the road have been requested to register for the EMC system, which allows users to drive through the check point while their payment is made automatically.
According to the CS, the 27-kilometer road, costing approximately 70 billion shillings, is a private investment in which the Kenyan government has made no contribution.
“It is foreign direct investment, the Kenya government has not committed any money, and we have not borrowed a single cent of the total amount.” he said.
Macharia also stated that the old Mombasa road from Mlolongo to Westlands will be gentrified to ensure that those who do not use the expressway have a more beautiful enhanced road.
“We are finalizing a contract of about 9 billion shillings to make sure we enhance and beautify the old road,” he said.
