The government through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has announced plans to establish a Ksh7.6 billion Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) line along the Outer Ring Road.

According to a tender notice published on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, the line will be developed using a USD59 million (Ksh7.6 billion) loan from Korea.

The 10.5-kilometre project entails a two-lane BRT line along the road, three river bridges, two overpass bridges and 13 BRT stations.

“The Government of Kenya has received a loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea from the resources of the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) of the Republic of Korea in the amount of USD 59,000,000 (fifty-nine million United States dollars) toward the cost of establishment of Bus Rapid Transit Line 5 Project and intends to apply a portion of the proceeds of this loan to payments under the contract for Establishment of Bus Rapid Transit Line 5 Project,” KURA stated.

“The terms and conditions of the contract and payment by the bank, therefore, shall be subject in all aspects to the terms and conditions of the loan agreement, including the guidelines for the procurement under the EDCF loan. Except as the bank may specifically otherwise agree, no party other than the borrower shall derive any rights from the loan agreement or have any claims on the loan proceeds.”

KURA has invited bids from eligible bidders for the implementation of the project along the road, which has severally been termed as one of the most dangerous roads in the city.

“All road works involved in the construction of a 2-lane BRT Line, along the entire length of the Outer Ring Road in Nairobi County of estimated length of 10.5km. Construction of 3 river bridges and 2 overpass bridges of approximately 1024m and 323m respectively. Construction of 13 BRT stations,” KURA added.

Other BRT specifications

The project will also entail the construction of new footbridges and modification of existing footbridges, installation of electro-mechanical works, construction of drainage system along the road, street lighting, landscaping works and improvements of Outer Ring Road.

The contractor will be required to construct a BRT depot of approximately 1365m2 floor area with parking spaces and access roads, fences and drains.

However, the project is restricted to firms from Korea and the work must be completed within 24 months.