In the footage, the President is seen behind the wheel of an SUV, calmly navigating the highway as he reflects on the long-standing traffic challenges that have frustrated motorists for years.
The Nairobi–Nakuru route is a critical artery linking the capital to the Rift Valley, Western Kenya, and regional trade routes, yet it has remained a major bottleneck, particularly during peak travel periods.
As he drove, President Ruto acknowledged that congestion on the highway has caused unnecessary delays, wasted productive hours, and increased the risk of road accidents.
As he drove, President Ruto acknowledged that congestion on the highway has caused unnecessary delays, wasted productive hours, and increased the risk of road accidents.
He noted that many families travelling during holidays often spend long hours stuck on the road, sometimes arriving at their destinations late into the night.
The President admitted that the expansion of the highway should have been undertaken much earlier, describing the project as overdue.
The President admitted that the expansion of the highway should have been undertaken much earlier, describing the project as overdue.
However, he expressed confidence that the situation is finally changing following the launch of the dualling works last month.
According to Ruto, construction activities have already begun, and motorists should start experiencing relief sooner than expected.
According to Ruto, construction activities have already begun, and motorists should start experiencing relief sooner than expected.
He assured Kenyans that the current festive season would mark the last time travellers endure severe traffic jams on the highway during December holidays.
While clarifying that the entire road will not be fully completed by the end of next year, the President explained that the most problematic sections—where traffic congestion is frequently reported—will be finished first. These sections, he said, will significantly improve traffic flow and reduce delays.
Ruto projected that by December next year, movement along the highway will be smoother, even as work continues on remaining sections. He added that the full dualling of the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway is scheduled for completion by June 2027.
Once completed, the expanded highway is expected to transform travel along the corridor. Authorities anticipate reduced travel time, fewer road accidents, improved safety, and enhanced efficiency for transporters and businesses that rely on the route.
The President officially launched the dualling project on November 28 after holding consultations with senior officials from China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). Its subsidiary, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), has been contracted to carry out the construction works.
In addition to the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, Ruto revealed that other key road sections connected to the corridor will be expanded simultaneously to ensure continuity and prevent new bottlenecks from emerging.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed that preparations for additional highway projects are in advanced stages. These include the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway and the Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha road.
KeNHA Acting Director General Luka Kimeli stated that the authority has followed all legal requirements under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Act in evaluating and submitting project proposals. He noted that the evaluation process was reviewed and approved by the PPP Committee.
While clarifying that the entire road will not be fully completed by the end of next year, the President explained that the most problematic sections—where traffic congestion is frequently reported—will be finished first. These sections, he said, will significantly improve traffic flow and reduce delays.
Ruto projected that by December next year, movement along the highway will be smoother, even as work continues on remaining sections. He added that the full dualling of the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway is scheduled for completion by June 2027.
Once completed, the expanded highway is expected to transform travel along the corridor. Authorities anticipate reduced travel time, fewer road accidents, improved safety, and enhanced efficiency for transporters and businesses that rely on the route.
The President officially launched the dualling project on November 28 after holding consultations with senior officials from China Communications Construction Company (CCCC). Its subsidiary, China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), has been contracted to carry out the construction works.
In addition to the Nairobi–Nakuru Highway, Ruto revealed that other key road sections connected to the corridor will be expanded simultaneously to ensure continuity and prevent new bottlenecks from emerging.
Meanwhile, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has confirmed that preparations for additional highway projects are in advanced stages. These include the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit highway and the Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha road.
KeNHA Acting Director General Luka Kimeli stated that the authority has followed all legal requirements under the Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) Act in evaluating and submitting project proposals. He noted that the evaluation process was reviewed and approved by the PPP Committee.
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