“Ruto, Forget the SGR for Now and Dual the Mombasa-Nairobi Road” — Kalonzo

Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has challenged President William Ruto to prioritise the expansion of the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, saying the busy road needs urgent attention.

In his remarks, Kalonzo said, “Ruto, wachana na SGR kwanza weka dual carriage kwa Mombasa-Nairobi Road.” Translated into English, he urged the President to put the Standard Gauge Railway aside for now and focus on turning the Nairobi-Mombasa Road into a dual carriageway.

The statement comes as the condition and safety of major roads remain important concerns for motorists, passengers and businesses that depend on the route connecting Nairobi to the Port of Mombasa.

The highway is one of Kenya’s key transport corridors. It carries heavy trucks transporting imports and exports, alongside buses, private vehicles and other commercial traffic.

Expanding the road could help improve traffic flow, although the impact would depend on the design, construction and completion of the project.

Kalonzo has previously made the expansion of the highway part of his political agenda. On October 9, 2026, during a tour of Mombasa, he pledged to prioritise dualling the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway within the first six months of his government if elected president in 2027.

His proposal comes as the government continues to highlight road infrastructure as part of its development programme.

On October 20, President Ruto said construction was underway on 7,000 kilometres of roads across the country. His administration has argued that better roads can improve transport, connect communities to markets and support economic activity.

However, the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway has continued to attract calls for expansion, particularly following fatal accidents along the route. In October, Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior renewed calls for the project after a crash at Salama claimed 17 lives.

Kalonzo’s latest remarks add to the debate over which transport projects should receive priority and how the government should improve road safety.

As the 2027 election approaches, infrastructure is likely to remain a key issue in discussions between the government and opposition leaders.

Do you think the government should prioritise expanding the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway?

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