Govt To Dual Nairobi-Nakuru Highway In 2025: Ruto

President William Ruto announced on Sunday, December 22, the dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, whose construction will be overseen by the government. This is in response to numerous complaints by Kenyans regarding the recent traffic congestion along the major road.

Ruto, who spoke during a church service at the AIC Kipkorgot in Uasin Gishu County, announced that the construction of the dual carriageway would begin next year.

The Head of State revealed that a private contractor would conduct the highway dualling under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programme and would build it in two phases.

The first phase would involve the construction of the highway from Nairobi to Nakuru. In contrast, the second phase will extend from Nakuru to Malaba, improving travel and trade along the corridor.

Heavy traffic along the Nairobi Nakuru Highway between Kimende and Flyover and also along the Limuru - Mai Mahiu stretch on December 20, 2024. /ST JOHN AMBULANCE

Speaking on the delay in the dualling of the road, he attributed this 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 assured.

“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."

Ruto also revealed 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.

This announcement comes after the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) revealed on Friday, December 20 that it took note of an increase in traffic volumes along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway. This is hours after hundreds of motorists were left stranded along the major road in what is now becoming an annual occasion.

Kenyans travelling upcountry for the festive period were earlier warned against using the highway due to the heavy traffic congestion. Those who began travelling on Friday, December 20, had been stranded along the busy highway for hours.

According to a post by St John Ambulance, the congestion was between Kimende and Flyover and along the Limuru-Maai Mahiu stretch.

KeNHA, in a notice, however, revealed that the traffic snarl-up only affected the Rironi-Naivasha-Nakuru Road and the Rironi-Mai Mahiu-Naivasha Road.

"The Authority has observed a surge in traffic volumes along the Rironi - Naivasha - Nakuru (A8) Road and the Rironi - Mai Mahiu - Naivasha (A8S) Road. Motorists plying these routes are advised to exercise patience and observe lane discipline for their safety and that of other road users," KeNHA announced in part.

"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."

The authority gave Kenyans three alternative routes; the Naivasha-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route, the Flyover-Njabini-Olkalou-Dundori-Lanet-Nakuru route and the Ngong-Suswa-Narok-Mau Narok-Nakuru highway.

The Nairobi-Nakuru Highway has been notorious for prolonged traffic jams, especially near areas like Kimende and Rironi, with some drivers stranded for hours or even overnight.