Drivers using Argwings Kodhek Road in Kilimani are finally enjoying a smoother commute after the once notorious stretch long mocked by residents for its endless “dimples” received a full makeover.
The newly laid tarmac has eased movement for motorists heading toward Lavington, Kawangware and the wider Dagoretti area, ending years of frustration.
The facelift is part of an expansive road improvement campaign currently rolling out across all 17 Nairobi constituencies.
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson, while confirming the ongoing works, noted that the city’s worn-out roads and drainage systems are being addressed through a coordinated upgrade plan.
“Argwings Kodhek has been a headache for motorists for many years. People have struggled, but that has changed. From DoD to Ole Dume, the road has been completely redone. And across the city, the same upgrades are happening we expect an even bigger transformation by the end of the year,” Sakaja said.
According to the Governor, the citywide initiative involves constructing new roads, rehabilitating those in disrepair, and fixing drainage systems in flood prone areas.
“For example, along Cotton Avenue, the stretch linking Dennis Pritt to Yaya Centre, drainage improvement is ongoing. This is one of many sites where we’re strengthening the system to reduce flooding,” he added.
Residents are hopeful that the repairs will finally ease Nairobi’s chronic road and drainage problems.
Sakaja also highlighted that Embakasi East and Embakasi West are among the biggest beneficiaries of the Sh2.1 billion Nairobi Roads Upgrade Programme, funded jointly by the county and the national government.
He said the two constituencies were prioritised due to their high population and heavy traffic flow, adding that efficient road networks would unlock movement, reduce congestion and improve the flow of goods and services.
“Embakasi East and West have together received Sh867 million almost half of the total allocation,” Sakaja noted.
The money is financing the construction and rehabilitation of 10 major roads, among them Umoja One SDA Road, Kwa Maji Road, Umoja Rockfield Road, Tena Police Post Access Road, the Bypass–Mohango Link Road, Aviation School- Fedha–Tassia–Nyayo Embakasi Road, Embakasi Road to Embakasi Village, Mohango Kajuju Road, Kibiku Muhuyu Road and Komarock Estate Access Road.
The individual projects range from Sh11 million to Sh216 million, and are expected to open up estates and improve access to schools, businesses and residential areas.
Sakaja added that beyond improving mobility, the works are creating employment opportunities for local youth and spurring business growth in some of Nairobi’s fastest-expanding neighbourhoods.
The Governor said the infrastructure push is not limited to Embakasi.
“From Kasarani to Dagoretti, from Lang’ata to Westlands every part of Nairobi is witnessing progress. We are linking communities to schools, markets and health facilities through improved roads. This is how we bring services closer to our people,” he said.
With dozens of projects underway and more lined up, the current road upgrades represent one of the most significant infrastructure investments Nairobi has witnessed in recent years.
