Handover Ceremony of the Project for the Construction of the Nairobi Western Ring Roads (JPY 2.54 Billion)

A hand-over ceremony of the Project for the Construction of the Nairobi Western Ring Roads funded by the Government of Japan through Grant Aid was held in Nairobi on 10th December 2013. The ceremony was officiated by the former President of the Republic of Kenya H.E. Mwai Kibaki who during his tenor as President had also lauched the project during its inception at a Ground Breaking ceremony held in 2011. To hand-over the completed project on behalf of the Government of Japan was the Ambassador of Japan to the Republic of Kenya H.E. Tatsushi Terada. The ceremony was also witnessed by JICA’s Chief Representative Mr. Hideo Eguchi, the Transport and Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary Eng. Michael Kamau and the Nairobi Governor Dr. Evans Kidero among other high level government officials.
 

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Terada said that during the implementation of the project, both the consultant Katahira and the contractor NIPPO had emphasized on the importance of commitment to quality. They did not compromise on the quality of work even though they were compelled to extend the construction period “ This is the way the Japanese companies work”, said the Ambassador who also requested the Government of Kenya to fulfill its side of the project commitment and install street and traffic lights as soon as possible.
 

The former President H.E. Kibaki expressed deep appreciation to the people of Japan for the construction of the road which he termed as very convenient. He called for stern action against reckless road users in order to curb the rising number of accidents and deaths. Road safety, he added, should be a major concern for everyone and not only the government.