CS Chirchir Confirms Dualing of Nairobi-Mombasa Highway as Work on Key Corridors Nears

The Kenyan government has confirmed that the dualing of the Nairobi-Mombasa highway is moving into the implementation phase. Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir stated on Wednesday that the expansion of this critical artery, which connects the capital to the country’s primary seaport, is a priority for the ministry to alleviate long-standing traffic bottlenecks.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, the project is part of a broader infrastructure strategy intended to modernize the Northern Corridor. The existing two-lane road has struggled to accommodate the high volume of heavy-duty trucks and passenger vehicles, leading to frequent delays and safety concerns. The dualing is expected to increase the road's capacity and significantly reduce travel times for motorists and commercial transporters.

During a briefing on the status of national road works, Chirchir noted that several other key highways are also scheduled for construction or expansion soon. These projects are intended to improve connectivity between major economic hubs and facilitate smoother movement of goods across the East African region. The ministry has been working with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) to finalize the logistical and financial frameworks required for these large-scale interventions.

The Nairobi-Mombasa project has seen various iterations in recent years, including discussions regarding a privately financed expressway. Current plans indicate a focus on expanding the existing alignment to manage costs and minimize the need for extensive land acquisition. This approach is expected to streamline the construction timeline and allow for a phased rollout of the dualing process.

In addition to the coastal route, the government is focusing on the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit corridor. Construction activity has already been reported on sections such as Rironi and Gilgil, where contractors have mobilized to address sections prone to heavy congestion. Chirchir emphasized that the ministry is closely monitoring these sites to ensure that work adheres to the specified schedules and quality standards.

Funding for these massive undertakings is being sourced through a mix of government allocations and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). The Cabinet Secretary highlighted that clearing pending bills has been a central focus to ensure that contractors remain on-site and projects do not stall due to payment delays. He warned that firms failing to meet their contractual obligations would face termination to prevent the wastage of public resources.

The announcement comes at a time when the ministry is also preparing for other major transport milestones, including the expansion of rail infrastructure and upgrades to international airports. These integrated efforts are designed to solidify Kenya’s position as a regional logistics hub. As procurement processes for the various highway lots conclude, the government expects a visible increase in construction activity along the country’s major transit routes by the end of the year.