As you traverse along Waiyaki Way, Westlands, you may have come across a signboard that is denoted in the Mandarin language, which is the widely spoken version of Chinese, on the acclaimed Nairobi Expressway.

The signboard had raised questions among motorists over the intention of the signage and its use of the Mandarin language, which will not be understood by the majority of the motorists once the Ksh87.9 billion expressway is launched by the end of April 2022. 

According to the Moja Expressway company, the essence of the signboard is to inform the road users of any alerts such as road accidents ahead as well as announcements of the closure of lanes. 

President Uhuru Kenyatta was accompanied by Infrastructure CS James Macharia and NMS DG Mohamed Badi to inspect the Expressway on December 23, 2021.

PSCU

"It's an information board that will be used to inform road users of any upcoming things such as road accidents ahead, closure of lanes as well as a reminder of policies. So, it's vital for Kenyans to stay alert and keep checking the board," personnel from Moja Expressway company told Kenyans.co.ke.

Alluding to the future proposal of the signboard, the source further intimated that plans were in place to allow advertisement for various businesses to capitalise on the strategic locations. 

They added that the Mandarin language was part of a test phase by the Chinese contractors but the signboard information would be in the English language once the expressway is launched.  

"It was still under testing hence that's why it was written in Chinese but when the expressway will be launched then it will be in English. In the near future, we foresee that it may also act as a place of advertising but for now, it's an information board," they stated. 

The source also disclosed that signboards would be strategically placed in different sections of the expressway.

Moja expressway company is an affiliate of the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) and is tasked with operating and maintaining the road for 27 years before handing it over to the government in the Public-Private Partnership-based programme. 

The 27 kilometre road involves a four-lane and six-lane dual carriageway within the existing median of Mombasa Road, Uhuru Highway and Waiyaki Way.

The aim of the expressway is to provide alternative routes hence decongest traffic as well as enhance the link between different counties transiting through the Central Business District (CBD). 

An aerial photo of the Nairobi Expressway.  DANITO KINYANJUI  By Brian Kimani, Kenyans.co.ke