MERU, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced plans to construct a Sh3 billion bypass highway in Meru town as part of a broader push to modernise transport infrastructure and decongest the fast-growing urban centre.
Speaking on Thursday during a development tour of Meru County, the President said the bypass would play a central role in easing traffic congestion and supporting the government’s plan to elevate Meru to Kenya’s sixth city.
“We are changing the face of Meru and turning the town into a modern city through the construction of a Sh3 billion bypass development that will reduce congestion in the town,” Ruto said.
A bypass highway is designed to divert through-traffic away from busy town centres, allowing long-distance motorists to avoid urban congestion while easing pressure on local roads.
Such projects are often linked to faster travel times, improved safety, and more efficient movement of goods and people.
The Northern Bypass links Limuru Road to Thika Road, while the Eastern Bypass connects Nairobi-Mombasa Road to Ruiru–Kiambu Road.
The Southern Bypass runs from Nairobi-Mombasa Road to Gitaru in Kikuyu, and the Western Bypass links Gitaru to Ruaka.
Government officials say the Meru project is expected to improve mobility within the town, reduce travel delays, and support economic activity as urbanisation accelerates in the Upper Eastern region.
Nithi Bridge reconstruction
During the same tour, President Ruto also announced that construction works on the notorious Nithi Bridge will begin in February 2026.
The project, estimated to cost Sh7 billion, aims to address long-standing safety concerns along the Tharaka Nithi–Meru border.
The Nithi Bridge has for decades been labelled one of Kenya’s most dangerous road black spots, with numerous fatal accidents reported over the years.
Ruto said the new bridge design would significantly enhance road safety by correcting flaws in the existing structure.
“The new designs of the bridge are ready, and I have already checked them. Instead of the current curved structure, we will make it straight,” the President said.
He reaffirmed an earlier commitment to residents of Tharaka Nithi that the bridge would be completed before the 2027 General Election.
“People from Tharaka Nithi have always urged me to construct the bridge. I want to assure them that I must construct the bridge, whatever comes may,” he said.
The two projects form part of the government’s wider infrastructure agenda aimed at improving road safety, supporting regional development, and positioning key towns as future economic hubs.
