President Ruto Announces Multi-Billion Shilling Dualing of Makutano-Meru Highway

President William Ruto has detailed a major infrastructure expansion for the Mt. Kenya region, confirming that the government is moving forward with the dualing of the Makutano-Embu-Meru-Maua highway. The project is expected to break ground late this year or by early 2026.

This development forms a central pillar of the administration’s strategy to expand the national road network by 2,500 kilometres over the coming decade. The President, speaking during a recent engagement with stakeholders, noted that the upgrade is designed to address chronic congestion that has long hampered trade in Meru, Embu, and Tharaka Nithi counties.

Financing for the project is tied to the 5 trillion shilling National Infrastructure Fund, a vehicle designed to ensure that large-scale works remain insulated from the budget volatility that has previously caused projects to stall. This fund is part of a broader "Singapore dream" model aimed at high-efficiency urban and rural connectivity.

A significant portion of the works will focus on the notorious Nithi Bridge area. The government has committed 7 billion shillings specifically for the reconstruction of this section, where frequent accidents have occurred for years. Work on the bridge is scheduled to start in February 2026.

In addition to the main highway expansion, President Ruto announced a 3 billion shilling bypass development for Meru town. This specific project aims to transform the town into a modern city by diverting transit traffic away from the central business district, effectively reducing the time spent by motorists in snarl-ups.

The Kenya National Highways Authority is expected to oversee the technical execution of the dual carriageway. Preliminary designs for the 13.6-kilometre section across Meru town have already identified a 40-metre corridor to accommodate the new lanes, which will link existing western and eastern bypasses.

The road will start at Gikumene, passing through the heart of the town to Makutano, where a major interchange is planned. Further extensions will see a 5.4-kilometre dual section built from Makutano toward the Ruiri junction, improving access to the Isiolo airport and northern transit corridors.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki recently noted that the government has cleared 177 billion shillings in pending bills owed to contractors. This financial cleanup is intended to allow for the immediate resumption of approximately 6,000 kilometres of road projects across the country that had been suspended since 2020.

The focus on the Meru-Maua corridor is seen as a move to support the local economy, particularly the transport of agricultural produce to markets in Nairobi and beyond. By upgrading these routes to dual carriageways, the state expects to lower transport costs and improve the reliability of regional supply chains.

Beyond the asphalt, the President also linked these infrastructure gains to social services. He mentioned that improved road access would complement the elevation of the Meru Teaching and Referral Hospital to a Level VI facility, ensuring that patients can reach specialized care more quickly and safely.