The announcement has ignited fresh debate on the cost of road infrastructure versus the promise of faster, safer travel.
The 175-kilometre highway, which forms a critical section of the Northern Corridor, will be tolled at Ksh8 per kilometre for small vehicles, according to Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo. Trucks and buses will be charged differently, reflecting their heavier impact on the road.
Government officials say the project is designed to transform what has long been one of Kenya’s most congested and accident-prone routes into a modern highway that supports trade, regional connectivity, and economic growth.
“By the end of 2027, the Nairobi–Nakuru journey will no longer feel like a test of patience but a sign of real progress,” Omollo said, describing the project as a major step towards easing congestion and cutting travel time.
Under the new design, the road will be expanded into a four-lane dual carriageway from Rironi to Naivasha, before widening to six lanes between Naivasha and Nakuru, a section notorious for heavy traffic caused by trucks and buses heading to and from Western Kenya.
Beyond Nakuru, the highway will revert to a four-lane road all the way to Mau Summit, significantly improving access to counties in the Rift Valley and western regions.
The 175-kilometre highway, which forms a critical section of the Northern Corridor, will be tolled at Ksh8 per kilometre for small vehicles, according to Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo. Trucks and buses will be charged differently, reflecting their heavier impact on the road.
Government officials say the project is designed to transform what has long been one of Kenya’s most congested and accident-prone routes into a modern highway that supports trade, regional connectivity, and economic growth.
“By the end of 2027, the Nairobi–Nakuru journey will no longer feel like a test of patience but a sign of real progress,” Omollo said, describing the project as a major step towards easing congestion and cutting travel time.
Under the new design, the road will be expanded into a four-lane dual carriageway from Rironi to Naivasha, before widening to six lanes between Naivasha and Nakuru, a section notorious for heavy traffic caused by trucks and buses heading to and from Western Kenya.
Beyond Nakuru, the highway will revert to a four-lane road all the way to Mau Summit, significantly improving access to counties in the Rift Valley and western regions.
In Nakuru City, parts of the road will be elevated to reduce congestion and minimise disruption to urban traffic.
Officials argue that the expanded lanes will not only improve traffic flow but also enhance safety on a route that frequently records serious accidents, especially during peak travel seasons.
Aware of public concern over toll charges, the government has insisted that motorists will still have alternative non-tolled routes, similar to the arrangement on the Nairobi Expressway.
“When the road is complete, Kenyans will have improved alternative routes, because choice matters. Safety matters. Fairness matters,” Omollo said.
This assurance is aimed at addressing fears that low-income motorists and public transport operators could be priced out of the new highway.
The Ksh200 billion project is expected to play a key role in improving the movement of goods from the Port of Mombasa to western Kenya and neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
By cutting travel time and reducing vehicle operating costs, the government believes the highway will strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness as a regional transport hub, especially amid rising competition from Tanzania’s port and road network.
Farmers, traders, and manufacturers are expected to benefit from more reliable supply chains, while faster access to markets could lower the cost of goods over time.
“It means shorter trips for traders, faster access to hospitals, more reliable supply chains for farmers, and smoother journeys for students,” Omollo noted.
Despite the optimism, the toll fee has drawn mixed reactions. Some motorists argue that Ksh1,400 one way is too high, especially for frequent travellers and public service vehicles that could pass the cost to passengers.
Officials argue that the expanded lanes will not only improve traffic flow but also enhance safety on a route that frequently records serious accidents, especially during peak travel seasons.
Aware of public concern over toll charges, the government has insisted that motorists will still have alternative non-tolled routes, similar to the arrangement on the Nairobi Expressway.
“When the road is complete, Kenyans will have improved alternative routes, because choice matters. Safety matters. Fairness matters,” Omollo said.
This assurance is aimed at addressing fears that low-income motorists and public transport operators could be priced out of the new highway.
The Ksh200 billion project is expected to play a key role in improving the movement of goods from the Port of Mombasa to western Kenya and neighbouring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
By cutting travel time and reducing vehicle operating costs, the government believes the highway will strengthen Kenya’s competitiveness as a regional transport hub, especially amid rising competition from Tanzania’s port and road network.
Farmers, traders, and manufacturers are expected to benefit from more reliable supply chains, while faster access to markets could lower the cost of goods over time.
“It means shorter trips for traders, faster access to hospitals, more reliable supply chains for farmers, and smoother journeys for students,” Omollo noted.
Despite the optimism, the toll fee has drawn mixed reactions. Some motorists argue that Ksh1,400 one way is too high, especially for frequent travellers and public service vehicles that could pass the cost to passengers.
Others, however, say they are willing to pay if it guarantees smoother travel, reduced accidents, and predictable journey times.
To further ease congestion at the Nairobi end, the government has also announced plans to widen the Westlands–Rironi road to six lanes, complementing the new highway.
To further ease congestion at the Nairobi end, the government has also announced plans to widen the Westlands–Rironi road to six lanes, complementing the new highway.
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