The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has officially moved the Outer Ring Road Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 5 project into its implementation stage after initiating contract signing in Nairobi on March 4.
The signing marks a key milestone in the long-planned upgrade of the 10.5-kilometre corridor stretching from Allsops to Taj Mall, which is set to form part of Nairobi’s expanding mass transit network.
KURA Director General Silas Kinoti confirmed that the project is now firmly underway, noting that although earlier timelines had slipped, the authority is committed to accelerating delivery in the revised schedule.
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He emphasized that collaboration with contractors and stakeholders will be critical in ensuring the project is completed efficiently and serves its intended public transport purpose.
The BRT Line 5 corridor is part of Nairobi’s wider integrated transport plan, which includes five major BRT routes designed to modernize urban mobility and improve the efficiency of public transport across the metropolitan region.
According to KURA, the project is expected to ease congestion along Outer Ring Road, cut commuter travel times, and improve connectivity between residential and commercial zones.
The contract signing ceremony was attended by senior officials from KURA, including the Director of Roads Planning and Design, alongside representatives from the selected contractor consortium, YOUNGJIN Joint Venture, based in South Korea.
The authority reiterated its mandate to develop and maintain urban road infrastructure that supports economic activity and improves living standards for city residents.
However, the project has not been without legal and procurement challenges.
In early 2026, CK Solutions Limited, through its local partner Beyond Trading Limited, filed a High Court petition seeking to halt the award and execution of the BRT Line 5 contract.
The firm argued that the tender process was flawed and inconsistent with legal and constitutional requirements, and sought interim court orders to prevent the contract from being awarded to another bidder while the case is ongoing.
The court allowed the matter to proceed and scheduled further directions for January 27, 2026.
KURA has also indicated that the project is being financed through a USD 59 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF).
Part of this funding will be used to support the construction contract and associated infrastructure works along the corridor.
The scope of the BRT Line 5 upgrade includes construction of a dedicated two-lane BRT system, major bridge works across river sections, and the installation of overpasses along the corridor.
The project also includes 13 modern BRT stations, pedestrian footbridge upgrades, drainage systems, street lighting, landscaping, and intelligent transport system (ITS) infrastructure.
Additional works will involve the development of a depot facility with access roads, parking, fencing, sanitation systems, and supporting civil and mechanical installations.
Commuter Impact & Practical Advice
Once completed, the Outer Ring Road BRT Line 5 is expected to significantly transform commuting along one of Nairobi’s most congested corridors.
For daily commuters, the project will likely:
- Reduce travel time between Allsops and Taj Mall
- Improve reliability of public transport schedules
- Decongest Outer Ring Road during peak hours
- Provide safer and more structured boarding points
During construction, however, road users should anticipate:
- Lane diversions and periodic traffic disruptions
- Slower movement along sections under active works
- Increased congestion during peak commuting hours
Practical advice for commuters:
- Plan extra travel time when using Outer Ring Road
- Use alternative routes where possible during peak periods
- Stay updated on traffic advisories from KURA and local transport updates
- Avoid last-minute travel during morning and evening rush hours
SOURCE – thekenyatimes.com
