KeNHA cancels Pangani–Kiambu Road tender despite China Exim Bank funding

On July 15, 2025, KeNHA advertised the tender, which was only open to Chinese firms or Chinese-led joint ventures. 

A week later, the road agency published a second notice revoking the first without providing an explanation. 

The initial advertisement had drawn criticism from the stakeholders who complained that limiting bidders to Chinese companies violated Kenya's Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act, which gives preference to Kenyan companies in the procurement process. 

The project was expected to enhance traffic flow by upgrading the road from a two-lane single carriageway to a four-lane dual carriageway. 

The project was also to include a pedestrian walkway on both sides, six footbridges and new bridges across Muthaiga Golf Club Spur, Mua Road Overpass, DCI Overpass, Coffee Garden U-turn, Runda U-turn and Junction Bridge. 

In the application, the road agency, however, limited the Chinese investors to those who have achieved a minimum annual construction turnover of Ksh.32 billion for the past five years. 

Following the cancellation of the tender, it is unclear whether the government will proceed with the project or issue a fresh tender with revised requirements.