The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), under the leadership of its Managing Director, has recently announced that the Ngong Road/Naivasha Road/Kingara Road junction flyover project in Nairobi is only 20% complete and is now expected to be finished by July 2027.
This timeline indicates a total construction period of nearly five years for a project of modest scale, raising serious concerns about the competence and efficiency of KURA’s management.
This is not an isolated incident. KURA has previously faced criticism for project delays and mismanagement.
In November 2024, the authority was scrutinized for alleged overpayment to a contractor for incomplete projects, further tarnishing its reputation.
During a parliamentary committee session, KURA’s Director General, Silas Kinoti, revealed that a contractor sought mutual termination of an agreement due to unforeseen challenges, including changes in project scope and inflation.
These revelations highlighted massive lapses in project planning and oversight within the organization.
Research into factors causing delays in road construction projects in Kenya has identified several key issues, including technical challenges, client-related risks, financial constraints, and socio-political factors.
A study focusing on KURA’s projects in the central region of Kenya found that technical risks had the most substantial impact on performance, followed by client-related and financial risks.
The study recommended the implementation of robust project risk management practices to mitigate these challenges and enhance project outcomes.
The extended timeline for the Ngong Road flyover project raises questions about KURA’s capacity to manage and execute infrastructure projects efficiently.
Delays not only exacerbate existing traffic problems but also lead to increased project costs and diminished public trust in the authority’s ability to deliver essential services.
Given these concerns, it is imperative for the Ministry of Roads and Transport, under the leadership of Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir, to conduct a thorough review of KURA’s project management practices.
This review should assess the reasons behind the prolonged timelines and identify measures to enhance efficiency and accountability within the organization.
Such an evaluation is crucial to ensure that public resources are utilized effectively and that infrastructure projects are completed within reasonable timeframes to meet the needs of the populace.
The projected five-year timeline for the Ngong Road/Naivasha Road/Kingara Road junction flyover project has cast a spotlight on KURA’s operational inefficiencies and project management shortcomings.
To restore public confidence and ensure the timely delivery of infrastructure projects, it is essential for the relevant authorities to address these issues promptly and implement necessary reforms within KURA.
