New Ngong Road Junction to ease years of traffic pain for Dagoretti commuters

The transformation of Ngong Road is set to reshape the daily life for thousands of Nairobi commuters. With the expansion project now 90 per cent complete, it will deliver relief to some of the city’s most congested routes.

For residents like Clint Kamonde, who has lived in Dagoretti for years, the change is nothing short of remarkable.

“I live here in Dagoretti (Dago). I live around this area. So, this road, the way it has been constructed, we can say it is a good initiative,” he said, standing near the expansive new bypass that is set to redirect traffic flow and reduce the pressure on previously overwhelmed junctions.

Clint recalls that although Ngong Road was expanded into a dual carriageway earlier, Naivasha Road, one of its critical feeders, was left unattended, resulting in massive morning congestion.

“From around 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., there used to be serious traffic jams down here. Some drivers were forced to divert through Riara Road, and Riara Road is a school road, so there would be a lot of congestion and confusion,” he explained.

The newly constructed flyover now separates upper-level and lower-level traffic, a design he believes will really help.

Beyond easing traffic, Clint highlights the safety improvements. “If you remember how Ngong Road used to be, it was dangerous. There were many accidents… But as you continue building like this, I am sure even that footbridge project will be completed, so people can cross safely.”

He also credits the project for creating jobs for local youth.

“If you look around, many of the young people working here are from this area… When projects like this come, people get employment.”

Project Director Pablo Acosta confirmed that the flyover at Junction Mall has reached 90 per cent completion.

“We have completed the steel structure erection… the only remaining part is the concrete deck, the ramp to embankment, and roadworks,” he said. He expects the project to be ready for handover to KURA by June or July 2026.

Acosta noted that heavy works are done at night to avoid major disruptions. “If you do it during the day, there would be too much traffic disruption; that is the reason that we do it at night.”

Once completed, the 450-metre viaduct, extended to 820 metres including approaches, will cut commute time between Ngong and Nairobi CBD from the current two hours to just 25 minutes.

For Clint, the transformation is undeniable: “Someone who knew Ngong Road ten years ago. If they came here today, they would be confused. They would ask, ‘Is this really Ngong Road?’”

With improved connectivity across Naivasha, Magadi, Lang’ata and the Bomas–Ongata Rongai corridor, residents say the project marks a new chapter for Dagoretti and for Nairobi’s transport future.