Big Relief Ahead: Thika-Nairobi Expressway Construction to Start in 2026

President William Ruto has announced plans to launch the construction of the Thika–Nairobi Expressway in October 2026, a project expected to ease traffic congestion and improve travel between the capital city and its fast-growing industrial corridor.

The government says the project is aimed at reducing the long delays that motorists experience daily along the Thika Road corridor, which connects Nairobi to Kiambu, Thika, and other towns that continue to expand rapidly.

Officials note that population growth and increased vehicle numbers have put pressure on existing roads, making it difficult for commuters and transport operators to move efficiently during peak hours, especially in the morning and evening.

The planned expressway is expected to provide a faster alternative route for vehicles traveling between Nairobi and Thika, helping to separate long-distance traffic from local road users and reducing bottlenecks in busy sections of the highway.

According to transport planners, the project will include modern road designs, improved interchanges, and better traffic management systems to support the smooth flow of vehicles and reduce the risk of accidents along the corridor.

The government also says the construction will create job opportunities for engineers, construction workers, and suppliers, providing a temporary boost to the local economy during the building phase of the expressway.

Business owners along the route are expected to benefit from improved access to markets, while transport operators may experience reduced fuel costs due to shorter travel times and less time spent in traffic jams on the busy road.

However, residents and road users have been advised that construction may cause temporary disruptions, including diversions and slower movement in some areas as work progresses along sections of the busy highway corridor.

Authorities have promised to put measures in place to manage traffic during construction, including clear signage, alternative routes, and deployment of traffic officers to reduce confusion and delays for motorists using the road.

Once completed, the expressway is expected to strengthen economic activity between Nairobi and surrounding counties, supporting trade, housing development, and easier movement of goods and people across the region, daily.

The project forms part of wider infrastructure plans by the government aimed at modernizing transport systems and addressing long-standing congestion challenges in major urban and industrial corridors across the country.

Residents and commuters are now waiting for further details on funding, timelines, and contractors as preparations continue ahead of the planned groundbreaking scheduled for October 2026.