JKIA–Westlands Highway, Kenyan toll highway
The JKIA–Westlands Highway is a four-lane trunk road in Nairobi that connects Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to the Westlands neighborhood and is part of the larger Nairobi Expressway project. It features multiple exits serving different districts and modern infrastructure designed to handle high traffic volumes efficiently.
The highway was constructed under President Uhuru Kenyatta by the Chinese company China Road and Bridge Corporation, with construction beginning in October 2019. It opened to public traffic in May 2022 and was officially inaugurated by President Kenyatta in July 2022.
The highway shapes how residents and travelers experience the city through its modern design and infrastructure. It links neighborhoods and represents the city's effort to improve daily transportation for everyone.
Vehicles must pay tolls at toll stations, with costs varying by vehicle type and payments accepted in cash, using a toll card, or through an electronic OBU device installed in your vehicle. Motorcycles and three-wheeled vehicles are not allowed, and drivers should use designated exits since reversing and stopping outside emergencies are prohibited.
The highway reduces travel time from the airport to the city center from about two hours to around twenty minutes, making it a critical time-saving route for air travelers. Some sections between Eastern Bypass and Southern Bypass expand to six lanes to better manage traffic during peak hours.
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