President William Ruto has unveiled an ambitious nationwide infrastructure programme that will see the dualing of 19 major roads, expansion of 2,500 kilometres of highways, and the tarmacking of 28,000 kilometres of roads over the next decade.
During his State of the Nation Address in Parliament, Ruto said the investment marks a turning point for Kenya’s transport and logistics network, which he described as critical to the country’s economic transformation and regional competitiveness.
Citing Japan’s post-war recovery as a blueprint, the President emphasised that strategic transport investments shape national prosperity. He noted that while Japan grew its paved road network from 2,000 kilometres to more than one million kilometres in seven decades, Kenya has constructed only 22,000 kilometres within a similar timeframe.
To kickstart the programme, Ruto will next week launch the long-awaited dualing of the 170-kilometre Rironi–Naivasha–Nakuru–Mau Summit road. On the same day, he will also break ground for the dualing of the 58-kilometre Rironi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha road, which he said will end the persistent traffic gridlock that often paralyses travel along the corridor.
The 19 roads earmarked for dualing span key economic regions across the country. They include Muthaiga–Kiambu–Ndumberi, Machakos Junction–Mariakani, Mau Summit–Kericho–Kisumu, Kisumu–Busia, Mau Summit–Eldoret–Malaba, Athi River–Namanga, Karatina–Nanyuki–Isiolo, and Makutano–Embu–Meru–Maua. Others are Mtwapa–Malindi, Mombasa–Lunga Lunga, Kericho–Kisii–Migori–Isebania, Nakuru–Nyahururu–Karatina, Kisii–Oyugis–Ahero, the Northern Bypass, James Gichuru Road, Bomas–Karen–Ngong, Bomas–Ongata Rongai–Kiserian, Ngong–Isinya, and Naivasha–Kikuyu.
Ruto also revealed that works to extend the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) from Naivasha to Kisumu and eventually to Malaba will begin in January 2026, strengthening regional and cross-border trade routes.
He added that the programme will boost economic activity by easing congestion, improving travel times, creating jobs, and enhancing market access for farmers and businesses. Public-private partnerships will further be used to modernise Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, as well as the Mombasa and Lamu ports, while resolving Kenya Airways’ operational challenges by 2026.
