Nairobi–Thika Expressway: Sh200 Billion Plan, Construction Timeline and What Motorists Should Expect

Plans for a new elevated expressway linking Nairobi and Thika could reshape travel along one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors, with preliminary estimates placing the project’s cost at between KSh150 billion and KSh200 billion.

The proposed road is expected to offer motorists an alternative to the existing Thika Superhighway, where congestion frequently affects commuters travelling between Nairobi, Kiambu County and other parts of central Kenya.

If implemented as proposed, the project could help separate long-distance traffic from vehicles making shorter journeys through busy urban centres along the route.

The development comes years after the Thika Superhighway improved connectivity between the capital and surrounding towns. Despite that investment, traffic congestion remains a concern, particularly around Githurai, Ruiru and Juja.

The new project is intended to provide additional road capacity and potentially make journeys more predictable for motorists.

The proposed Nairobi–Thika Expressway is expected to cover approximately 60 kilometres, running above the existing Thika Superhighway.

According to the project details outlined so far, the road would begin in Thika town and terminate at Museum Hill in Nairobi, where it would connect with the existing Nairobi Expressway.

The connection would give motorists another option for travelling towards Nairobi’s central business district and accessing the road network leading towards Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

However, the final route, junction arrangements and engineering specifications will depend on the outcome of the ongoing preparatory studies.

The proposed elevated design is intended to allow through traffic to move above sections of the existing road, reducing interference from vehicles entering, leaving or stopping along the busy corridor.

For daily commuters, the potential benefits would depend on how effectively the new road accommodates traffic and connects with the existing transport network.

Preparatory work for the project reportedly began in early October 2026, with feasibility studies expected to examine engineering requirements, traffic demand, environmental considerations and the project’s financial viability.

These assessments are important because an elevated highway requires substantial structural work, careful planning around existing roads and utilities, and measures to minimise disruption to communities along the corridor.

The studies are also expected to help establish the project’s final cost, land requirements and implementation arrangements.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has indicated that President William Ruto could preside over the groundbreaking within one to two months.

If that timetable is maintained, construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027. However, the anticipated date remains subject to the completion of preparatory work, financing arrangements and other necessary approvals.

Earlier expectations of a September 2026 construction start were pushed back as technical and financial details were being finalised.

Preliminary projections indicate that construction could take approximately three years. The actual completion date will depend on the final implementation schedule and the progress of construction once work begins.

The project’s estimated cost ranges from KSh150 billion to KSh200 billion, making it a major proposed investment in Kenya’s road infrastructure.

The project is expected to use a public-private partnership (PPP) model, under which private investors can participate in financing, developing and potentially operating infrastructure under an agreed contractual arrangement.

Such arrangements can help distribute the financial and operational responsibilities between the government and private-sector partners.

The proposed financing approach is similar in broad terms to the model used for the Nairobi Expressway, although the specific contractual and financing arrangements for the Nairobi–Thika project have yet to be fully established.

The final cost could also change after engineers complete the feasibility studies and detailed designs.

Motorists will also be keen to know whether they will have to pay toll charges to use the proposed road. However, the final toll rates and operating arrangements have not been confirmed in the project details available so far.

The identity of the company that would ultimately operate the expressway has also not been announced.

These details will be important in determining whether motorists consider the new route worth using, particularly those who already pay to use other tolled roads.

If the project is completed as planned, one of its main potential benefits would be reduced travel times between Nairobi and Thika, especially during morning and evening rush hours.

Commuters travelling between the two towns could have another option when the existing highway experiences heavy traffic.

The project could also benefit motorists travelling through Kiambu County towards destinations in the Mount Kenya region and other parts of central and northern Kenya.

Weekend travellers leaving Nairobi may benefit from more predictable journeys if the new expressway successfully diverts a substantial share of long-distance traffic away from congested sections of the existing highway.

Public transport vehicles and motorists making shorter trips would still depend on the existing road network, although the overall effect would depend on how traffic is redistributed.

The anticipated benefits are not guaranteed. Travel-time savings will depend on the expressway’s final design, the number of vehicles it attracts, its toll charges and the efficiency of connections with other major roads.

Construction could also cause temporary disruption along parts of the corridor, particularly where elevated sections, access points and supporting infrastructure must be built near existing traffic lanes.

For residents and businesses along Thika Road, the management of construction works will therefore be an important consideration.

Ultimately, the proposed Nairobi–Thika Expressway represents an ambitious plan to expand capacity along a major transport corridor. Its success will depend not only on completing construction but also on financing, affordability, effective traffic management and integration with the existing road network.

For motorists, the next major developments to watch are the completion of feasibility studies, confirmation of the financing arrangements, the official construction timetable and the eventual announcement of toll charges.

Until these details are finalised, the proposed cost, construction period and expected travel-time benefits should be treated as preliminary projections rather than guaranteed outcomes.

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