The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced a two-month partial closure of a section of the Thika Superhighway to facilitate the construction of a new pedestrian footbridge at Kihunguro. The closure, which will begin on Monday, October 20, and run until Saturday, December 20, 2025, will affect both the Nairobi-bound and Thika-bound service lanes.
According to the notice, the temporary closure is necessary to allow for the construction of column bases and stub columns—key structural components that will support the new footbridge. The project aims to enhance pedestrian safety and reduce traffic congestion in the busy Kihunguro area, which has long been a hotspot for traffic snarl-ups and pedestrian accidents.
During the construction period, KeNHA has urged motorists to adhere to a detailed traffic management plan designed to ease movement and minimize disruptions. Drivers are encouraged to cooperate with traffic marshals and police officers who will be stationed on-site to guide vehicles and ensure the safety of both road users and construction workers.
To minimize inconvenience, diversion routes have been put in place. Nairobi-bound motorists are advised to remain on the main highway and avoid using the service lanes near Kihunguro. Those needing to exit can use the diversion through Total Petrol Station leading to the Mark Hotel. For Thika-bound motorists, the service lane will be accessible up to the Shell Petrol Station, after which vehicles must rejoin the main highway for a short stretch before merging back into the service lane.
The construction of the Kihunguro footbridge comes after years of complaints from road users about safety risks and traffic congestion in the area. The existing Zebra Crossing at the site has been a major cause of delays, especially during rush hours, as frequent stops to allow pedestrians to cross lead to long traffic queues. The new footbridge is expected to provide a permanent solution by separating pedestrian movement from vehicle traffic.
KeNHA estimates that the core construction work will typically take three to four weeks but has allocated two months to accommodate possible disruptions caused by weather, site congestion, and traffic conditions. Once completed, the footbridge is expected to significantly enhance pedestrian safety, streamline traffic flow, and improve overall road efficiency along the Thika Superhighway.
