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Status of Kenya’s Sh300bn Road Construction Projects

The government is building 4,120km of roads countrywide.

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Workers at a road construction site in Nairobi.
Workers at a road construction site in Nairobi. PHOTO | FILE

In recent years, the Kenyan government has continually invested in the construction and rehabilitation of roads across the country in a bid to spur economic development.

Through the R2000 programme, the government is building 4,120 kilometres of roads countrywide, of which an estimated 1,413 kilometres were completed by the end of 2019.

The cost of roads under construction in Kenya is estimated at Sh313.4 billion.

The R2000 programme is a strategy for road development that ensures maximum utilisation of local resources where such resources are technically and economically feasible.

The programme is meant to create gainful employment opportunities for Kenyans while supporting local industry and more importantly, refining the country’s road network.

Major Ongoing Road Construction Projects

1. High-Cost Priority Projects

These projects play a critical role in national mobility and economic growth:

2. Regional Road Upgrades

Enhancing county and inter-county connectivity:

  • Chiakariga–Meru (55 km) – Sh4.7bn
  • Kitale–Endebess–Suam (45 km) – Sh4.5bn
  • Ruiru–Githunguri–Uplands (47 km) – Sh4.0bn
  • Waiyaki Way–Redhill Link (5.8 km) – Sh3.7bn
  • Meru Bypass (21 km) – Sh3.0bn
  • Naibor–Kisima–Maralal (32.5 km) – Sh2.7bn
  • Nairobi Western Bypass (19 km) – Sh2.7bn
  • Nyaru–Iten (32 km) – Sh2.4bn

3. Urban Road Improvements

Targeting congestion reduction and improved access in major towns:

  • Link Road to New Lamu Port (10 km) – Sh2.3bn
  • Ngong Road Phase II (3.4 km) – Sh2.3bn
  • Upper Hill Roads Phase II (6.5 km) – Sh2.3bn
  • Narok–Sekenani (84 km) – Sh2.2bn
  • Ngong Rd–Kibera–Langata Link (4.2 km) – Sh2.1bn
  • Dagoretti Corner–Karen Roundabout (9.8 km) – Sh1.9bn
  • Mteza–Kibundani (6.9 km) – Sh1.9bn
  • Thika Bypass (10 km) – Sh1.9bn

4. Mid-Size County Road Projects

  • Mlolongo–Kware–Katani Phase II (7.8 km) – Sh1.6bn
  • Upper Hill–Mbagathi Link (11 km) – Sh1.2bn
  • Ugunja–Nyadorera–Ruambwa (13 km) – Sh1.2bn
  • Mau Narok–Kisiriri (32 km) – Sh1.2bn
  • Kangundo Rd–Greater Eastern Bypass Link (10 km) – Sh1.2bn
  • Eastlands Roads Phase II (10 km) – Sh1.1bn

Projects Under Sh1 Billion

These smaller-scale projects still play a vital role in enhancing local access and mobility across counties.

  • Busia–Malaba (28 km) – Sh961m
  • Kiogoro–Gesure–Itibo–Masongo (14 km) – Sh860m
  • Old Nairobi & Bishop Muge Roads (7.7 km) – Sh747m
  • Eastleigh Roads Phase II (3 km) – Sh677m
  • Mandera Town Roads (10 km) – Sh621m
  • Nyahururu Bypass (8 km) – Sh562m
  • Eastleigh Estate Access Roads (2.6 km) – Sh553m
  • Lenana–Muchugia–Dagoretti Market (7 km) – Sh513m
  • Kisii Bypass Phase 1 (5.2 km) – Sh448m
  • Kericho Bypass Phase 1 (5 km) – Sh446m
  • Syokimau–Katani Phase II (3.5 km) – Sh425m
  • Northern Bypass–Kahawa West Flyover (2.7 km) – Sh403m
  • Access to Embakasi Industrial Park (2.16 km) – Sh382m
  • Kahawa Sukari Access Roads (6.1 km) – Sh360m
  • Access to Embakasi Park Phase II (2.4 km) – Sh143m

Road Dualling Projects

These projects are designed to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow on major routes:

  • Mombasa–Mariakani (Msa–Kwa Jomvu, 40 km) – Sh6bn
  • Athi River–Machakos Turnoff (20 km) – Sh5.3bn
  • Kisumu Boys–Mamboleo (4.5 km) – Sh2.6bn
  • Changamwe–Magongo–Kwa Jomvu (4 km) – Sh2.4bn

Rehabilitation and Upgrading Works

In addition to new builds, major rehabilitation projects include:

  • Isebania–Kisii (184 km) – Sh8.6bn
  • Kisii–Ahero (192 km) – Sh9.5bn
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Albert Andeso holds a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Nairobi. He has extensive experience in construction and has been involved in many roads, bridges, and buildings projects.