A8 road (Kenya)
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| A8 Road | |
|---|---|
| Route information | |
| Maintained by Kenya National Highways Authority | |
| Major junctions | |
| North end | Malaba |
| South end | Mombasa |
| Location | |
| Country | Kenya |
| Highway system | |
The A8 road is a road in Kenya that spans 923 kilometers. It connects the Ugandan border to the port city of Mombasa, passing through Eldoret and Nairobi.[1] The road is one of the main transportation routes in Kenya, providing an east–west connection. It also serves as a route for international traffic to and from Uganda.[2]
The Highlands
The A8 highway begins at the Malaba border crossing with Uganda. From there, it extends eastward across the Kenyan highlands at an elevation over 1,100 meters above sea level. The road is paved and gradually increases in elevation to over 2,000 meters above sea level near Eldoret.[3] The route passes through a rural area with a moderate population density and no large towns. There is a short section near Webuye where the A8 shares its route with the A1 highway.
In the vicinity of Eldoret, a highway-style bypass circumvents the town to the west and south, while the original route passes through the center. From Eldoret, the A8 proceeds in a southerly direction, gaining elevation to reach its highest point of approximately 2,800 meters above sea level, roughly midway between Eldoret and Nakuru. This section traverses a plateau, forming a transitional zone between the Rift Valley's vast expanse. Notably, the equator crosses the route at this point. Near Moli, a grade-separated interchange connects to the A12 highway. The A8 then enters Nakuru, a town situated at 1,800 meters above sea level, featuring a 2x2 lane passage and a viaduct with 2x3 lanes. As the route continues south, the terrain becomes more undulating, with moderate elevation changes. The A4 converges at Gilgil. North of Nairobi, the road ascends to higher ground, reaching an elevation of approximately 2,700 meters, followed by a steady descent towards Nairobi.
Nairobi Region
From Limuru, the A8 highway features dual 2x2 lanes and begins its descent into the Nairobi metropolitan area, a vast urban expanse situated at approximately 1,700 meters above sea level. To facilitate through traffic, the Nairobi Southern Bypass offers an alternative route around the city, while the Nairobi Expressway, a toll road elevated on viaducts, provides a central passage. Notably, the A8 shares dual designation with the A2 within Nairobi. South of the city center, the A8 continues as a dual-lane road, providing access to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. In Athi River, the A2 diverges southward, while the A8 proceeds with a subsequent stretch featuring dual 2x2 lanes.
Southeastern Kenya
Beyond the Nairobi region, the A8 traverses a more sparsely populated and arid area, characterized by a prolonged stretch of dry savannah en route to the coastal city of Mombasa. The road narrows to a single-lane paved thoroughfare, gradually descending to sea level. The terrain transitions to a flatter landscape, punctuated by occasional low-lying hills. The route alternates between lengthy straight sections and more winding passages. At Emali, the A5 branches off towards Himo, Tanzania, while at Voi, the A6 diverges towards the same destination. Approximately 100 kilometers west of Mombasa, the dry savannah gives way to a more humid, tropical lowland. The A8 eventually reaches Mombasa, a major port city, where it merges with city roads leading to the central business district. Alternatively, the Dongo Kundu Bypass Highway offers a branch route to the port of Mombasa. The A8 terminates in the old town of Mombasa, converging with the A7 highway.
