Nairobi, Kenya – In a bold move to improve national infrastructure and bolster regional trade, President William Ruto has announced the upcoming construction of a new dual carriageway that will stretch from Nairobi through Nakuru and Eldoret, all the way to the Malaba border town.
Set to break ground later in 2025, the multi-lane highway is poised to transform one of Kenya’s busiest and most economically vital transport corridors.
Strategic Upgrade for a Key Economic Artery
The proposed Nairobi-Nakuru-Eldoret-Malaba dual carriageway is expected to ease chronic traffic congestion along the Northern Corridor—a major trade route linking the port of Mombasa with inland East African nations such as Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This project will not only cut travel times but also increase safety and efficiency for both commuters and cargo transporters,” President Ruto stated during a recent infrastructure summit. “It’s a vital part of our plan to position Kenya as a regional trade hub.”
Economic and Social Impact
The road upgrade is anticipated to provide a major boost to towns and cities along its path, enhancing connectivity and creating thousands of job opportunities during and after construction. Improved infrastructure could also stimulate investment in real estate, logistics, and tourism in counties such as Nakuru, Uasin Gishu, and Trans Nzoia.
Additionally, with Malaba being one of the busiest border crossings in East Africa, the improved access road is expected to streamline customs operations and increase the volume of goods moving across the Kenya-Uganda border.
Questions Around Funding and Implementation
While the announcement has been met with optimism, details on funding remain scarce. Analysts suggest the project may involve a public-private partnership (PPP) or financing from international lenders. The government is also expected to address potential challenges including land acquisition, displacement of residents, and environmental concerns.
An environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) will likely be conducted before major construction begins.
A Step Toward Vision 2030
The dual carriageway aligns with Kenya’s long-term development blueprint, Vision 2030, which emphasizes infrastructure development as a pillar for economic transformation. Once completed, it will stand as one of the most significant road investments in the country’s history.
As anticipation builds, stakeholders across the region are watching closely, hoping that the project lives up to its promise of improved mobility, trade facilitation, and regional integration.
