President Ruto Extends Mega Highway to Kisumu and Eldoret

President William Ruto recently announced a significant extension of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit Highway, a project poised to stretch the critical transport artery deep into western Kenya. Speaking during an event in Nakuru County, the President confirmed the government’s intention to push the road beyond its original endpoint at Mau Summit. The ambitious new scope includes connecting major regional hubs such as Kericho, Kisumu, Eldoret, and ultimately, Busia, or Malaba.

This expansive project is considered a central pillar of the administration’s strategy to bolster trade and significantly improve connectivity across a vital economic corridor. Ruto stressed that the highway must serve a much larger number of Kenyans than initially envisaged, linking the capital city to the entire western region more effectively.

The state intends to establish a special Infrastructure Fund to mobilize essential capital directly from the financial markets. He called upon members of Parliament to expedite the necessary legislation for the Infrastructure Bond, ensuring the timely and uninterrupted execution of this critical development.

The planned highway upgrade is a major undertaking designed to modernize the nation's transport system. The section from Nairobi to Naivasha will feature a four-lane dual carriageway, including a bypass through Mai Mahiu and a large interchange at Naivasha.

Furthermore, the route between Naivasha and Nakuru is slated for expansion into an even larger six-lane dual carriageway. This multi-lane design aims to alleviate the severe traffic congestion that frequently plagues the busy corridor. It is expected to drastically cut down on travel time for both daily commuters and commercial cargo haulers.

Despite the government’s commitment and the official approval from the National Treasury for the initial phase, public scrutiny over the tolling remains high. The Motorists Association of Kenya has strongly opposed the plan to hand over control of the highway to a private consortium, expressing concerns about potential discrimination and national sovereignty.