Dualling of Nairobi-Nakuru Highway to Start in 2025 – Ruto

Kenyans can breathe a sigh of relief after President William Ruto announced the dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, following the recent traffic snarl-up along the major road.

Speaking during a church service at the AIC Kipkorgot in Uasin Gishu County, the Head of State revealed that the construction of the dual carriageway would begin next year.

President Ruto disclosed that the dualling of the highway would be carried out by a private contractor under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme.

According to the president, the highway will be constructed in two phases: the first phase will involve the construction of the highway from Nairobi to Nakuru, while the second phase will extend from Nakuru to Malaba.

He attributed the delay in the dualling of the road to a breach of contract by a French company, which had initially entered into an agreement with the government for the road’s revamp.

“We had a PPP programme with a French company, but it did not work out. However, we have alternatives that we are working on as a government,” the president said.

“The commitment I want to give you is that next year, we will begin the construction of the dual carriageway from Nairobi to Nakuru first, and then from Nakuru to Malaba,” he added.

Ruto further disclosed that the government had already begun discussions with various private companies on how the road would be constructed.

While calling on Kenyans to exercise patience, the Head of State noted that the same would be done to other unfinished roads across the country.

The pledge comes following the recent traffic snarl-up at two sections of the highway, the Rironi-Naivasha-Nakuru Road and the Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road.

While advising motorists on alternative routes to use, the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) advised motorists plying the Nairobi-Nakuru route to exercise patience and observe lane discipline.

“The Authority, with the support of traffic police, are at hand to give the necessary guidance and traffic control for a smooth flow in a bid to ensure you reach your destinations safely and without delays,” KeNHA noted.