President William Ruto has announced an ambitious infrastructure slate set to commence in early 2026, aimed at modernizing Kenya’s transport and energy sectors. A centerpiece of this plan is the 60-kilometer Nairobi–Thika Expressway, designed to decongest the capital’s busiest corridor. This joins other landmark road projects, including the USD 3.5bn Nairobi–Mombasa Usahihi Expressway and the dualling of the 175-kilometer Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit Road. These initiatives are part of a broader ten-year strategy to dual 2,500 kilometers of highways and tarmac 28,000 kilometers of roads nationwide to bolster regional trade.
Strategic development is also advancing in northern and western regions. The Isiolo–Mandera Highway, part of the LAPSSET corridor, has secured Ksh 81bn in World Bank funding to enhance connectivity in arid areas. In Western Kenya, the Ksh 3.6bn Turbo–Sikhendu Road and the recently completed Ksh 1.3 bn Rusinga Ring Road highlight a commitment to regional mobility. These projects focus on transforming local economies by improving access to markets and safety along the Northern Corridor, ensuring that rural development keeps pace with urban expansion.
The government is further prioritizing multimodal growth through Public-Private Partnerships (PPP). The Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) extension to Kisumu is scheduled for January 2026, alongside plans for a new USD 2bn international airport in Nairobi. In the energy sector, Kenya’s first PPP-funded electricity transmission lines, valued at Ksh 40.4bn, are expected to break ground by August 2026. Combined with the modernization of the Port of Mombasa and JKIA, these investments aim to solidify Kenya's status as a leading regional aviation, logistics, and energy hub.
Source: YNews
