KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli with other officials inspects progress along Uhuru Highway on August 20, 2026/COURTESYThe Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has stepped up drainage improvement works across the road network in preparation for the expected El Niño rains, seeking to prevent flooding and minimise damage to critical road infrastructure.
The authority has already commenced drainage works along the James Gichuru Road Junction–JKIA A8/B10 Corridor, targeting stormwater management challenges that have affected the highway drainage system.
The works are aimed at improving the capacity of the drainage network to handle increased volumes of stormwater during periods of heavy rainfall.
KeNHA Director General Luka Kimeli said the intervention was part of efforts to strengthen the road network and ensure major transport corridors remain safe and accessible during the rainy season.
“The drainage improvement works are intended to strengthen the capacity of the existing system to safely manage stormwater and minimise the risk of flooding along the corridor,” Kimeli said.
The initiative follows discussions between Kimeli and the Clerk of the National Assembly, Samuel Njoroge, on the connection of stormwater drainage from the Parliament Buildings to the highway drainage system.
The discussions focused on finding a sustainable solution to stormwater management and ensuring runoff from surrounding areas is properly channelled without compromising highway infrastructure.
The drainage works are being undertaken under the ongoing capacity enhancement, landscaping and beautification project along the corridor.
KeNHA said improving the drainage system would help address water accumulation on and alongside the highway, particularly during periods of intense rainfall.
Poor drainage has in the past contributed to flooding, erosion and deterioration of road surfaces, while standing water can also create hazardous conditions for motorists and other road users.
Kimeli said protecting the road infrastructure while ensuring safe movement of motorists remained a key priority.
“Our priority is to protect the road infrastructure while ensuring that motorists and other road users can continue to move safely and efficiently, especially during periods of heavy rainfall,” he said.
The authority's intervention comes as preparations intensify for the anticipated heavy rains associated with the El Niño weather phenomenon.
KeNHA is expected to undertake similar drainage improvement interventions at various points across its road network as part of measures to enhance the resilience of roads against extreme weather.
The works are also expected to protect road assets by ensuring stormwater is safely collected and discharged through appropriate drainage channels.
Beyond protecting infrastructure, improved drainage is expected to contribute to smoother traffic flow by reducing the risk of flooding and waterlogging along busy highways.
The James Gichuru Road Junction–JKIA corridor is particularly important because it connects major parts of Nairobi to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and carries significant volumes of traffic every day.
KeNHA said the improvements would support safe, efficient and sustainable road transport while enhancing the overall appearance of the corridor through landscaping and beautification.
The authority has urged motorists to exercise caution during the rainy season and observe traffic regulations, particularly when driving through areas affected by heavy rainfall.
The drainage intervention forms part of wider efforts by the roads agency to prepare the national road network for extreme weather and ensure infrastructure investments are protected.
With forecasts pointing to periods of heavy rainfall, drainage capacity remains critical in preventing flooding and reducing disruption along major transport corridors.
KeNHA's ongoing works are therefore expected to provide additional protection to the highway while supporting reliable movement of people and goods during the rainy season.
