NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) has begun contract signing for the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 5 Project, formally launching the implementation phase of the long-awaited upgrade of Nairobi’s Outer Ring Road corridor.
Following a signing ceremony held in Nairobi on March 4, KURA Director General Silas Kinoti set in motion works on the 10.5-kilometre corridor stretching from Allsops to Taj Mall.
The project aims to ease traffic congestion, cut commuter travel time, and improve connectivity across the Nairobi Metropolitan Area.
“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,” Kinoti said.
BRT Line 5 is one of five planned mass transit corridors intended to modernise public transport and promote sustainable mobility within the capital.
Today at the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, I presided over the signing ceremony for the establishment of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Line 5 Project.This milestone marks a major step toward transforming urban mobility — easing congestion, reducing travel time, and delivering a
Officials say the project will introduce a dedicated two-lane BRT system along the Outer Ring corridor, alongside major infrastructure upgrades.
The scope of works includes the construction of three river bridges and two overpass bridges measuring approximately 1,024 metres and 323 metres respectively, 13 BRT stations, new footbridges, and the modification of existing ones.
The contract also covers installation of electro-mechanical systems, drainage, street lighting, landscaping, and Intelligent Transport System (ITS) components.
In addition, the project will deliver a BRT depot with civil works, parking bays, access roads, fencing, and related utilities.
The ceremony was attended by Wilfred Oginga, Director in charge of Roads Planning and Design, representatives of Korean-based contractor YOUNGJIN Joint Venture, and members of the KURA management team.
The project has, however, faced legal headwinds.
In January 2026, Korean multinational CK Solutions Limited, through its local representative Beyond Trading Limited, filed an urgent petition at the High Court seeking to suspend the award and execution of the tender.
The petitioner argued that the procurement process was conducted unlawfully and in violation of constitutional and statutory requirements governing public procurement.
The court allowed the company to file and serve submissions and set a mention date for January 27, 2026, for further directions.
In its application, Beyond Trading Limited warned that without conservatory orders, KURA could proceed to award the tender to another party, causing “substantial and irreversible prejudice” and rendering the petition nugatory.
KURA has previously stated that the Government of Kenya secured a USD 59 million loan from the Export-Import Bank of Korea under the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF) to finance the project, with part of the funding allocated to the implementation contract.
The BRT Line 5 project is seen as central to Nairobi’s broader transport reform agenda, which seeks to address chronic congestion and reduce reliance on informal public transport.
Analysts say its success will depend not only on timely execution but also on transparent procurement and effective integration with other planned BRT corridors.
