NAIROBI, Kenya, June 16 – An umbrella body representing residents of Kilimani has objected to plans to expand State House Road from the Uhuru Highway Roundabout to the Dennis Pritt Road junction, citing concerns over traffic congestion, environmental impact and inadequate public consultation.
In a letter addressed to Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director General Silas Kinoti, the Kilimani Community Foundation (KCF) outlined several unresolved issues following a public participation meeting held on February 6, 2026.
The residents’ association said the concerns raised during the engagement had not been adequately addressed and should be resolved before implementation of the project.
Among the key issues raised is the likelihood that increasing road capacity could attract more vehicles to the corridor, ultimately worsening traffic congestion rather than easing it.
“There is concern that increasing road capacity may induce additional demand by attracting more motorists to use the corridor, ultimately worsening congestion rather than reducing it. Many of the motorists who currently use this route are not destined for Kilimani. Their destinations are often Kileleshwa, Lavington, Riverside and other western suburbs of Nairobi,” KCF Board Chairperson Irene Aguttu said in the letter.
“As such, we believe the project may not effectively address the root causes of congestion in the area and may instead encourage additional through-traffic,” she added.
The foundation argued that priority should instead be given to expanding and improving alternative road networks, including Argwings Kodhek Road, Chiromo Lane and its connecting roads, as well as Riverside Drive and associated links, which it said currently carry significant traffic volumes.
“Investments in these corridors could provide alternative traffic dispersal routes and reduce pressure on roads surrounding the State House area without significantly impacting residential neighbourhoods,” the association said.
According to KURA, the government plans to spend about Sh1.6 billion on the State House Road expansion project to improve traffic flow along a corridor that frequently experiences congestion.
KCF also called on KURA to protect existing trees along the route through proper mapping and preservation measures, incorporate dedicated cycling infrastructure within the proposed design, and ensure clear separation between cycling and pedestrian facilities.
Additionally, the residents’ body urged the authority to adopt universal accessibility standards, including the installation of flat kerbs at junctions and pedestrian crossing points to improve access for persons with disabilities and other road users.
