The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has begun the contract signing for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 5 Project, officially kicking off the implementation phase of the Outer Ring Road upgrade.
After the signing ceremony held in Nairobi on March 4, KURA Director General Silas Kinoti officially set in motion works on the corridor that will run along Outer Ring Road from Allsops to Taj Mall.
The project is expected to enhance mobility within the Nairobi Metropolitan area by reducing traffic congestion, shortening commuters’ travel time, and improving connectivity.
Speaking during the event, Kinoti acknowledged that the project had experienced delays but reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to fast-tracking its delivery.
“We are aware that this project has lagged behind the initial timelines. Today’s signing marks a renewed commitment to expedite its implementation. We will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the project is delivered efficiently and within the revised timelines for the benefit of the public,” he said.
BRT Line 5 forms part of the broader five BRT corridors planned within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, aimed at modernizing public transport and promoting sustainable, reliable, and efficient mass transit solutions.
KURA said it remains committed to developing, managing, and maintaining urban road infrastructure to support economic growth and improve the quality of life for Kenyans.
The ceremony was also attended by Wilfred Oginga, Director in charge of Roads Planning and Design, representatives of the Korean-based contractor YOUNGJIN Joint Venture, and members of the KURA management team.
Korean Firm Seeks Court Intervention to Halt BRT Line 5 Contract Award
In January 2026, Korean multinational CK Solutions Limited, through its local representative Beyond Trading Limited, filed an urgent petition in the High Court seeking to suspend the award and execution of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 5 project.
The petitioner argued that the tender, which covers the construction of a 10.5 km BRT route along Nairobi’s Outer Ring Road, was conducted unlawfully, unfairly, and in violation of constitutional provisions.
The High Court allowed the company to file and serve its submissions, setting a mention date of January 27, 2026, for further directions.
Also Read: KURA Forced to Explain Cancellation of 95 Lucrative Tenders After Uproar
In its urgent application, Beyond Trading Limited argued that without interim conservatory orders, KURA could award the contract to another party, causing “substantial and irreversible prejudice” and potentially nullifying the pending petition.
“The Petitioner states that, in the absence of conservatory orders pending the hearing and determination of the Petition, there is a risk that the 1st Respondent (accounting officer, KURA) may proceed to award the subject tender to a party other than the Petitioner, which would prejudice the Petitioner and render the pending petition nugatory,” the application reads in part.
Also Read: Kenya Railways Announces Major Rail Upgrades to Nyayo and Other Stadiums Ahead of AFCON 2027
KURA Invites Bid for Project
Earlier, KURA stated that the Government of Kenya had secured a USD 59 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea, sourced from the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF), to fund the establishment of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 5 Project.
A portion of this funding will be applied toward payments under the project’s implementation contract.
The scope of the upgrade includes:
- Construction of a two-lane BRT line along the 10.5 km Outer Ring Road corridor in Nairobi.
- Building three river bridges and two overpass bridges measuring approximately 1,024m and 323m, respectively.
- Construction of 13 BRT stations and new footbridges, as well as modification of existing ones.
- Installation of electro-mechanical systems, drainage, street lighting, and landscaping.
- Upgrades and improvements to the Outer Ring Road as directed by the project engineer.
- Development of the BRT depot, including civil works, parking spaces, access roads, fencing, drainage, septic tanks, and installation of electro-mechanical systems.
- Civil, electrical, and mechanical works supporting Intelligent Transport System (ITS) components, plus all other ancillary works as specified in the contract.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
