The Kenyan government on Friday inaugurated a key road construction work funded by the Chinese government which is expected to greatly help in the reduction of traffic jams in Nairobi.

The 8.5 billion shillings (about US$111 million) Northern and Eastern Bypasses are part of the government's ambitious infrastructure development program aimed at making Kenya the regional economic hub.

The Chinese government is providing 85 percent of the financing through a concessional loan arrangement and Kenyan government providing the balance.

"I would like to thank the Chinese government for supporting Kenya's development over the years, especially through continued support in several infrastructure projects, including this Eastern Bypass," Kibaki said during the launch in Nairobi.

Kibaki said the launch was an important milestone in the government's commitment to upgrade and expand the national, rural and urban road network.

He noted that the construction of the bypasses had now become more urgent, in view of the heavy motor vehicle congestion being now experienced within the city and surrounding areas.

"It also underlines our commitment to meet the growing transportation needs in our country and facilitate cross border trade and investments within the East African Region," he said.

He thanked the Chinese government for providing the necessary financial support in the form of a concessional loan for construction of the two bypasses, saying his government recognized the importance of an efficient road transport network in facilitating economic and social development.

"It is for this reason that the government is implementing various measures to tackle traffic congestion in our urban centers," Kibaki said.

During his last visit to Beijing, President Kibaki secured funding for the by-passes from the Chinese government.

The president said the government has committed a considerable amount of resources towards rehabilitation and expansion of the existing road network and construction of bypasses and other missing road links in Nairobi in a move to ease traffic movement.

Kibaki said the completion of these projects will not only address the daily challenge of vehicle traffic congestion on city's highway, but also underscore Nairobi's position as a regional hub.

The Kenyan leader said he was particularly happy to see that the upcoming city road projects are addressing the requirements of non-motorized traffic by including proper walk ways for pedestrians.

The inclusion of walkways in roads projects, he said, was essential to ensuring the safety and comfort of pedestrians.

"Nevertheless, although these measures are expected to address the problem of traffic congestion in Nairobi in the short-term, they are not adequate to cater for the transportation needs of a rapidly growing urban population," he said.

"I therefore call upon our planners to come up with new ideas on how to address transportation challenges in the major urban centers of this country."

He said the African Development Bank has agreed to finance a study to determine the best options for an appropriate public transport system in the city.

"But such a study must be followed by concrete action to give Kenyans the kind of transportation system they rightly deserve," he said.

Kibaki said experiences of the last two decades have demonstrated clearly the huge cost implications that result from failure to ensure strict compliance with the permitted axle load limits by cargo carriers.

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Deng Hongbo pledged quality workmanship on the various projects being undertaken by Chinese companies.

Deng said China would continue to encourage its companies to invest in Kenya to share technological advances and strengthen the existing cordial relations between the two countries.

Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka in his remarks appreciated the existing cordial relations between Kenya and China.

Kalonzo said the cabinet in its last meeting approved flagship projects among them, construction of dams to augment water supply in Nairobi and its environs and urged China to extend the collaboration into these sectors with the government under the public and private partnership.

Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki (2nd L) unveils a start-working monument of a road which will be built by Chinese company during the opening ceremony in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, August 21, 2009. China will give technical and financial support to the road that around Nairobi, the first main road in Nairobi.  [Xinhua]   Chinese ambassador to Kenya Deng Hongbo speaks during the start-working ceremony of a road which will be built by Chinese company in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, August 21, 2009. China will give technical and financial support to the road that around Nairobi, the first main road in Nairobi. [Xinhua]