Ruto Announces Major Nairobi-Mombasa Highway Transformation, Gives Kenyans One-Year Timeline

President William Ruto has announced plans to dual the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway within the next 12 months, promising a major transformation of one of Kenya’s most important transport corridors.

Speaking on Thursday, November 12, during the Kenya Comprehensive Schools Heads Association Annual General Meeting and Conference in Nyali, Mombasa, the Head of State said his administration had already developed a plan to upgrade the busy highway.

Ruto told the gathering that the government would soon provide more information about how the ambitious project would be implemented.

“We already have a plan. In a very short time, we are going to inform the country how we are going to dual the road from Mombasa to Nairobi, and we are going to do it within the next one year,” he stated.

The President further indicated that the project would be financed through innovative funding approaches without introducing additional taxes or taking fresh loans.

However, he did not reveal the estimated cost of the project, the specific sections that would be prioritised or the exact date construction would begin.

He promised that Kenyans would receive a comprehensive briefing explaining the government’s financing strategy and implementation plans.

The proposed upgrade is expected to address longstanding challenges affecting motorists and businesses that depend on the Nairobi-Mombasa transport corridor.

The approximately 482-kilometre highway connects the Port of Mombasa to Nairobi and serves as a major trade route linking Kenya to landlocked countries across East and Central Africa, including Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan.

Currently, the road experiences heavy traffic, particularly from commercial trucks transporting goods from the coastal port to different destinations.

The congestion has contributed to lengthy travel times, road safety concerns and increased transportation costs for businesses.

Despite the parallel Standard Gauge Railway, the highway remains an important route for passengers and cargo transportation.

If implemented as announced, the dualling project could significantly improve movement along the corridor, strengthen regional trade and ease transportation challenges.

Ruto described the proposed development as part of his administration’s broader commitment to improving the country’s infrastructure and economic prospects.

https://www.tuko.co.ke/kenya/646605-william-ruto-announces-dualling-nairobi-mombasa-highway/

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