The Motorists Association of Kenya opposes the proposed elevated highway, warning of disruption to businesses, reduced road space and environmental harm.
The Motorists Association of Kenya (MAK) has rejected the proposed Nairobi-Thika Expressway, citing engineering concerns and risks to businesses. The 60-kilometre elevated road would cost more than Ksh150 billion.
In a statement dated November 2, the association challenged plans to build above the existing Thika Superhighway. It argued that the project would waste public resources because the current road already serves an expressway function.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto is expected to preside over the project’s groundbreaking ceremony by December 2026. The planned route would connect Thika town to Museum Hill in Nairobi through Ruiru and Juja.
Why MAK opposes the Nairobi-Thika Expressway
MAK pointed to restricted entry and exit points, alongside dedicated pedestrian footbridges, as features supporting traffic flow. It also noted that key sections of the existing highway stretch to 12 lanes.
The association said those lanes run uninterrupted from Pangani and Wangari Maathai Road to Thika. On that basis, it questioned the need for another highway directly above the existing route.
Beyond the cost, MAK warned that the elevated structure would reduce sunlight and worsen air quality below. It also argued that the development would trap traffic noise along the corridor and create insecurity at ground level.
These concerns form part of the association’s broader objection to the project’s urban planning and engineering implications.
Business disruption and planned traffic relief
On the economic front, MAK warned that large concrete support pillars would take up space within existing lanes. As a result, it said, construction could restrict traffic and disrupt economic activity for years.
The lobby also predicted a sharp decline in the value of businesses along Thika Road. It cited disruption along Uhuru Highway and Mombasa Road, saying businesses there had faced displacement to accommodate highway construction.
The proposed project would follow a public-private partnership model. Its planned function is to separate long-distance traffic from local commuters, easing congestion at Githurai, Ruiru and Juja.
Alongside the expressway proposal, the government is advancing plans to turn the Muthaiga-Kiambu road into a dual carriageway.
