President William Ruto has announced that the dualling of the
Nairobi-Nakuru highway is set to begin next year.
Speaking during a church service at AIC Kipkorgot in Eldoret on Sunday, the President assured Kenyans of the government's commitment to upgrading the key transport corridor.
Ruto further elaborated that the dual carriageway will
initially cover the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway stretch, with plans to extend
it to Malaba, Busia County.
“The commitment that I want to give to you is that next year
we will begin the construction of a dual carriageway from Nairobi, first to
Nakuru and then from Nakuru later we will take it to Malaba,” Ruto
said.
Ruto revealed that an earlier Public-Private Partnership (PPP) agreement with a French company to construct the Nairobi-Nakuru Highways had fallen through.
President Ruto went on to state that alternative arrangements are
being worked on.
“We had a PPP Programme between us and a French company, but
it didn’t work out. However, we have other alternatives that we are working on
as a government,” the President said.
The President underscored the project's importance in
alleviating traffic congestion and enhancing transport efficiency along the
normally busy route.
“We already have a programme and are in discussions with
different companies on how that road is going to be done so that we can ease
congestion and provide more transport capability for our infrastructure,” Ruto explained.
The Nairobi-Nakuru-Malaba highway is a critical link between Kenya and its neighbours in the East African region, facilitating trade and movement.
The announcement comes after increased complaints from motorists, particularly during the holiday season, when heavy traffic caused hours-long delays.
President Ruto also emphasised Kenya's economic progress, citing lower inflation, increased exports, and the country's food security.