By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter
Kenya, 16 June 2026 - Residents of Kilimani have opposed plans to expand State House Road from the Uhuru Highway Roundabout to the Dennis Pritt Road junction, arguing that the proposed project could worsen congestion, threaten green spaces and fail to address the root causes of traffic challenges in Nairobi.
The objections were raised by the Kilimani Community Foundation (KCF), an umbrella body representing residents in the area, in a letter addressed to Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) Director General Silas Kinoti.
The residents' association said concerns raised during a public participation meeting held on 6 February 2026, remain unresolved and should be addressed before the KSh1.6 billion project proceeds.
At the centre of the dispute is the concept of induced demand, the idea that increasing road capacity often attracts more vehicles, eventually recreating congestion levels.
"There is concern that increasing road capacity may induce additional demand by attracting more motorists to use the corridor, ultimately worsening congestion rather than reducing it," KCF Board Chairperson Irene Aguttu said in the letter.
Aguttu noted that many motorists using the route are not travelling to Kilimani itself but are passing through to other parts of Nairobi.
"Many of the motorists who currently use this route are not destined for Kilimani. Their destinations are often Kileleshwa, Lavington, Riverside and other western suburbs of Nairobi," she said.
"As such, we believe the project may not effectively address the root causes of congestion in the area and may instead encourage additional through-traffic."
The concerns reflect a growing debate among urban planners over whether expanding road infrastructure alone can solve traffic congestion in rapidly growing cities such as Nairobi.
According to KURA, the government plans to invest approximately KSh1.6 billion in the project to improve traffic flow along the State House Road corridor, which experiences frequent congestion during peak hours.
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However, KCF argues that improving alternative routes would offer a more sustainable solution.
"Investments in these corridors could provide alternative traffic dispersal routes and reduce pressure on roads surrounding the State House area without significantly impacting residential neighbourhoods," the association said.
The residents are calling for expanded investment in Argwings Kodhek Road, Chiromo Lane and its connecting roads, as well as Riverside Drive and associated links, which they say already handle significant traffic volumes.
Beyond congestion concerns, the association has urged KURA to protect mature trees along the corridor through comprehensive mapping and preservation measures.
KCF is also pushing for the inclusion of dedicated cycling infrastructure, with clear separation between cycling lanes and pedestrian walkways, as part of efforts to promote non-motorised transport.
Additionally, the residents want the project to adopt universal accessibility standards, including flat kerbs at junctions and pedestrian crossings to improve mobility for persons with disabilities, older people and other vulnerable road users.
The opposition underscores growing calls for Nairobi's transport planning to shift from a car-centric approach towards integrated mobility solutions that balance road infrastructure with public transport, cycling and pedestrian access.
Kilimani Residents Oppose KSh 1.6 Billion State House Road Expansion Plan
Kilimani residents cite induced demand, where increasing road capacity attracts more vehicles and eventually recreates the same levels of congestion.