Ruto Unveils KSh200 Billion Western Corridor Dualling Project, Citing Safety, Economic Growth and an End to Gridlock

 

 President William Ruto on Tuesday launched the dualling of the Nairobi–Mau Summit and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha road sections, declaring the project a transformative step toward improving road safety, easing congestion, and bolstering regional trade along the vital Western Corridor.

Addressing government officials, engineers, residents and local leaders at Kamandura, Ruto said the Western Corridor—used daily by tens of thousands of commuters, long-distance truckers, and regional transporters—has for years symbolized both economic importance and heavy human cost.

The President noted that motorists have long endured crippling traffic on the 175km Nairobi–Mau Summit section and the 58km Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha stretch, particularly along the winding and treacherous Kikuyu Escarpment. According to Ruto, the delays not only place a strain on productivity but also expose road users to constant danger.

“For years, fellow citizens have spent countless hours trapped in relentless traffic along the Western Corridor,” he said. “Beyond inconvenience, these roads have been scenes of heartbreaking tragedy.”

Ruto cited recent government data showing 284 deaths recorded on the two road sections in 2024, compared to 168 deaths in 2023, describing the trend as “devastating, unacceptable, and a reminder of the urgency for action.”

The President said the launch of the dualling works—estimated at $1.54 billion (KSh200 billion)—marks a turning point in efforts to curb deadly crashes and improve transport efficiency.

“Today marks the beginning of a new chapter,” he declared. “This transformative investment will finally bring an end to the gridlock, danger, and inefficiency that Kenyans have endured for far too long.”

A Major Infrastructure Undertaking

The project, one of the largest road upgrades in Kenya’s recent history, will include the expansion of the heavily trafficked escarpment section, the construction of additional lanes to separate heavy commercial trucks from smaller vehicles, and improvements to drainage and safety barriers.

Government engineers say the dualling will significantly reduce congestion by increasing capacity on the routes that link Nairobi to Naivasha, Nakuru, Eldoret and the Western region, as well as to Uganda and Rwanda through the Northern Corridor.

Ruto emphasized the regional importance of the development, saying smoother transport flows would lower the cost of doing business and strengthen Kenya’s standing as a regional logistics hub.

“This monumental project will ease movement to the Western region of our country, strengthen regional connectivity, and stimulate trade and economic activity within Kenya and across our borders,” he said.

Economic and Social Impact

Local leaders who attended the event welcomed the project, saying it would spur investments in towns along the corridor, reduce travel times for workers and traders, and improve emergency response on a route known for frequent accidents.

Transport sector stakeholders also expressed optimism that the project would cut fuel consumption, reduce freight delays, and improve the reliability of supply chains that heavily rely on the highway.

Ruto said the initiative aligns with the government’s broader plan to modernize national infrastructure, enhance road safety, and promote long-term economic growth.

“We are taking a decisive step toward building a safer, more efficient, and more prosperous nation for every Kenyan,” he said, adding that the government would ensure transparency and accountability during the construction process.