Nairobi is preparing for one of its biggest traffic technology transformations under the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System (ITS) and Junction Improvement Project – Phase I, being implemented by Samsung C&T in partnership with the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA).
The project, valued at approximately Sh8 billion (US$61 million), is financed through the Export-Import Bank of Korea (EDCF) and is separate from the larger China Exim Bank-funded Sh24 billion project, which targets 125 junctions across Nairobi.
Unlike the larger Chinese-funded programme, Samsung’s first phase focuses on 25 of Nairobi’s busiest intersections, together with construction of a Traffic Management Centre (TMC) at City Cabanas along Mombasa Road.
What the project includes
Besides improving the geometry of major intersections, the project will introduce smart traffic technologies including:
- Adaptive traffic signals
- AI-assisted traffic signal control
- CCTV surveillance cameras
- Vehicle Detection Systems (VDS)
- Vehicle Enforcement Systems (VES)
- Variable Message Signs (VMS)
- Fibre optic communications network
- Central Traffic Management Centre
- Real-time traffic monitoring and signal coordination
The aim is to reduce congestion, improve road safety and allow centralized management of traffic throughout Nairobi.
Complete list of the 25 junctions
CBD & City Centre
Moi Avenue / Kenyatta Avenue
One of Nairobi CBD’s busiest intersections linking Government Road, Kenyatta Avenue and the commercial district. Smart signals are expected to reduce peak-hour gridlock.
Koinange Street / Kenyatta Avenue
Serves government offices, banks and businesses. The junction experiences heavy pedestrian movement throughout the day.
University Way / Uhuru Highway
Critical gateway connecting the CBD, University of Nairobi, Globe area and Uhuru Highway.
Haile Selassie Avenue / Uhuru Highway
Major entry point into Nairobi’s central business district from Upper Hill and Mombasa Road.
Ngong Road Corridor
Ngong Road / Ring Road Kilimani
Important junction serving Kilimani’s residential and commercial developments.
Ngong Road / Mbagathi Way
Connects Ngong Road with Lang’ata and southern Nairobi, carrying heavy commuter traffic.
Ngong Road / Valley Road
A congestion hotspot during morning and evening rush hours.
Ngong Road / Ring Road Ngara
Improves connectivity between Ngong Road and northern sections of Nairobi.
Ngong Road / Ring Road Kileleshwa
Links the rapidly growing Kileleshwa neighbourhood with the Ngong Road corridor.
Waiyaki Way Corridor
Waiyaki Way / James Gichuru Road
One of Nairobi’s busiest western gateways connecting Westlands, Lavington and Kangemi.
Waiyaki Way / Ring Road Westlands
Serves Westlands business district and experiences significant commercial traffic.
Waiyaki Way / Chiromo Road
Key connection into the CBD from Westlands and Riverside.
Other strategic corridors
Mbagathi Way / Lang’ata Road
Handles traffic towards Lang’ata, Wilson Airport and Nairobi National Park.
Limuru Road / Muthaiga Road
Important northern Nairobi intersection serving Muthaiga, Gigiri and Runda.
Thika Road / Pangani Roundabout
One of Nairobi’s busiest entry points from eastern suburbs into the CBD.
Thika Road / Globe Roundabout
Critical connection between Thika Road, Murang’a Road and Nairobi CBD.
Jogoo Road / Landhies Road
Major public transport hub serving Eastlands commuters.
Jogoo Road / Lusaka Road
Links Industrial Area traffic with eastern Nairobi.
Jogoo Road / Outering Road
Busy intersection connecting Jogoo Road with Outer Ring Road.
Outering Road / Kangundo Road
Important junction serving eastern residential estates.
Outering Road / Thika Road Interchange
Strategic connection between two of Nairobi’s largest highways.
Outering Road / Airport North Road
Important route serving Embakasi, Pipeline and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport access roads.
Mombasa Road / City Cabanas
Future location of Nairobi’s new Traffic Management Centre and one of the city’s busiest transport nodes.
Mombasa Road / Bellevue Roundabout
Key gateway connecting Mombasa Road with South C and South B.
Mombasa Road / Nyayo Stadium Roundabout
Critical junction linking Upper Hill, CBD, Industrial Area and Mombasa Road.
More than junction upgrades
The Samsung project is also delivering infrastructure beyond traffic signals.
According to KURA procurement documents and project specifications, Phase I includes:
- Construction of a modern Traffic Management Centre (TMC) at City Cabanas.
- Integrated communication systems connecting all upgraded intersections.
- Smart surveillance and enforcement infrastructure.
- Centralized monitoring allowing operators to adjust traffic signals in real time.
- Foundation for future expansion into additional ITS phases across Nairobi.
How this differs from the Sh24 billion China-funded project
The Samsung-led project should not be confused with the larger China Exim Bank-funded Nairobi ITS programme.
| Samsung Korea (Phase I) | China-funded ITS Programme |
|---|---|
| Approx. Sh8 billion | Approx. Sh24 billion |
| 25 major junctions | 125 junctions |
| Traffic Management Centre | Wider citywide ITS expansion |
| Financed by Korea Exim (EDCF) | Financed by China Exim Bank |
| Samsung C&T contractor | Separate procurement and implementation |
Official planning documents indicate the long-term vision is a citywide intelligent traffic network capable of coordinating over 100 signalized intersections through one centralized control centre.
Source
The list of the 25 junctions is based on a compilation shared by members of the SkyscraperCity.com Nairobi Infrastructure forum, and has been corroborated with publicly available KURA announcements, project tender documents and South Korean project documentation where applicable. Additional project information was obtained from KURA, Korea’s Knowledge Sharing Program (KSP) and other official procurement documents.
