Stecol Corporation Awarded Sh38.7B EPC Contract for Kiambu Road Dualling

The End of Gridlock? Kiambu Road’s Sh38.7 Billion Transformation Begins

For thousands of commuters who endure the daily "gridlock of soul-crushing proportions" on Kiambu Road, relief is finally on the horizon. On March 17, 2026, the Kenyan government officially signed the landmark deal to transform one of Nairobi’s most congested arteries into a world-class dual highway.

In a high-profile ceremony at Transcom House, Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir witnessed the signing of the Engineering Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract. The project has been awarded to Stecol Corporation, a Chinese infrastructure powerhouse formerly known as Sinohydro Tianjin Engineering Co. Ltd.

Project Overview: The Sh38.7 Billion Overhaul

Valued at Sh38.7 billion, the project is funded through a strategic partnership with China’s EXIM Bank. This isn’t just a simple repaving job; it is a total structural redesign of the 23.5-kilometer stretch from Pangani through Muthaiga to Ndumberi.

Key Features of the Upgrade:

• Four-Lane Dualling: The current single-carriageway will be expanded into a four-lane dual highway, significantly increasing vehicle capacity.
• Major Interchanges: To eliminate bottlenecks, new overpasses and interchanges will be constructed at critical choke points, including the Northern Bypass junction, Kirigiti, and Ridgeways.
• Pedestrian Safety: Six new footbridges will be installed to protect pedestrians and reduce the high rate of accidents involving non-motorized transport.

Timeline: Construction is slated to last 36 months, followed by a two-year defects liability period to ensure quality standards are met.

Who is Stecol Corporation?

Stecol is a familiar name in the East African infrastructure scene. While the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) faced criticism in late 2025 for limiting the tender to Chinese-only firms, the government defended the choice, citing Stecol’s ability to mobilize quickly and the existing financing framework with the Chinese government.

Stecol’s portfolio in Kenya includes:

1. The Thika Road BRT (Simba Line): A Sh5.6 billion contract for Nairobi’s first Bus Rapid Transit system (currently awaiting further government funding).
2. The Kibwezi-Mutomo-Kitui Road (B7): A critical link for regional trade.
3. Tatu City Infrastructure: Stecol served as the lead contractor for the prestigious Kijani Ridge, proving their capability in high-end private developments as well as public works.

Why This Matters for Nairobi

The expansion of Kiambu Road is expected to unlock massive economic potential for residents in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties. Beyond shortening commute times, the project is anticipated to:

• Boost Real Estate Value: Improved accessibility often leads to a surge in property demand in surrounding areas like Runda, Ridgeways, and Ndumberi.
• Enhance Road Safety: By separating traffic flows and providing dedicated pedestrian crossings, the "killer road" reputation of the current stretch may finally be put to rest.
• Improve Regional Connectivity: As a feeder to the Northern Bypass and the Nairobi CBD, a free-flowing Kiambu Road will streamline logistics across the metropolitan area.

"This project is a critical component of our master plan to decongest the city and provide Kenyans with the modern infrastructure they deserve." — Davis Chirchir, Cabinet Secretary for Roads and Transport.