The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has raised concerns over the Cabinet’s decision to dual the 23.5-kilometre stretch from Muthaiga to Ndumberi via Kiambu, saying the plan may create more problems than it solves.
The lobby claims the project, presented as a measure to ease traffic congestion, could endanger pedestrian safety, disrupt local commerce, and serve political interests ahead of elections rather than long-term transport needs.
"The Cabinet’s plan looks appealing on paper, but there are several sober, evidence-based reasons why this policy shouldn't be rushed just to tick a political box before elections," MAK said in a statement.
"A dual carriageway is not a magic wand. It comes with real social, economic and environmental consequences that must be understood before any bulldozer touches the road."
MAK pointed out that dualling would dramatically change the corridor’s environment. Kiambu Road is a vibrant commercial strip hosting malls, car showrooms, fuel stations, entertainment venues, schools, and numerous small enterprises that rely on accessible traffic and moderate speeds.
The association warned that turning it into a dual carriageway would require significant land acquisition, redesign of service roads, and removal of roadside businesses, effectively replacing a lively commercial zone with a fast-moving thoroughfare.
Pedestrians, cyclists, and boda boda riders would also be exposed to increased danger.
"Once cars begin cruising at 80km/h, pedestrians, cyclists, boda bodas, and locals find themselves trapped," MAK said.
The group added that typical safety measures such as speed bumps, rumble strips, guard rails, and underused footbridges may not fully address the risks while doing little to reduce congestion.
Areas with high population density like Runda, Ridgeways, Kiambu Town, and Ndumberi would face the brunt of these challenges.
"If you introduce a high-speed corridor into a densely inhabited stretch like Runda, Ridgeways, Kiambu Town, and Ndumberi, your 'mobility improvement' becomes a safety crisis. You slow the same road you expanded," the statement said.
MAK suggested that the government first focus on critical infrastructure such as the Pangani Viaduct to ease traffic flow before expanding the road. Without such measures, additional lanes may simply move congestion elsewhere rather than resolving it.
The association also questioned the framing of Kiambu Road as chronically congested, noting that heavy traffic mainly occurs during morning commutes to Nairobi.
"The narrative of 'chronic congestion' needs context. Kiambu Road's worst traffic is only during morning peak hours heading to Nairobi. In the evenings, movement is slow but steady. This is classic commuter behaviour," MAK said.
"You don't blow up a working road because of a two-hour morning experience. You solve the root cause of that specific peak demand. Globally, this is where Bus Rapid Transit, modern buses, and dedicated transit lanes do the heavy lifting. Not more tarmac. Not more lanes. Congestion is a transport management issue, not a lane-count issue," the association added.
The Cabinet, in its statement on Tuesday, said the dualling is part of efforts to modernise Nairobi’s metropolitan transport network in line with Kenya Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals on mobility and infrastructure.
