The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has called off an international tender for the proposed upgrade of the Pangani–Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi (B32) road, despite having secured funding from China Exim Bank.
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Initially advertised on July 15, 2025, the tender was exclusively open to Chinese firms or joint ventures led by Chinese companies. However, just a week later, KeNHA issued a second notice cancelling the tender without offering any reason.
The initial tender had sparked criticism from various stakeholders who argued that restricting eligibility to Chinese bidders contravened Kenya’s Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, which prioritizes local firms in state contracts.
The proposed project aimed to ease traffic congestion by expanding the existing two-lane road into a four-lane dual carriageway.
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The plan also included pedestrian walkways on both sides, six footbridges, and several major bridge structures at key locations such as Muthaiga Golf Club Spur, Mua Road Overpass, and Runda U-turn.
Additionally, KeNHA had set a high eligibility bar for Chinese bidders, requiring them to have a minimum average annual construction turnover of Ksh.32 billion over the past five years.
With the tender now cancelled, it remains uncertain whether the government intends to proceed with the road project or reissue the tender under revised terms.
