NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has announced that construction of the long‑awaited Thika–Nairobi Expressway will begin in September 2026, a major infrastructure push aimed at easing chronic traffic congestion along the key northern corridor.
Speaking on Sunday, February 22, 2026, during a church service at Jesus Compassion Ministry in Ruiru, Kiambu County, Ruto confirmed that the 60‑kilometre expressway will stretch from the Museum Hill Interchange, near the existing Nairobi Expressway, to Thika town.
“This traffic jam, after Githurai, causes disruption all the way to Museum Hill. I have a plan,” Ruto said.
He noted that the expressway would mirror the success of the earlier expressway linking Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to Westlands by providing a faster, more fluid route for motorists.
Big Push to Decongest Thika Road
The Thika Superhighway remains one of the country’s busiest corridors, notorious for long traffic queues as commuters travel between Nairobi and rapidly expanding satellite towns including Githurai, Kahawa, and Ruiru.
The planned expressway — which aims to provide an uninterrupted route free from intersections and encroachments — is expected to drastically cut travel times and reduce congestion for thousands of daily motorists.
Once completed, the new expressway will offer an alternative to the existing route, which continues to grapple with congestion exacerbated by roadside trading and heavy vehicle flow.
The decision to start construction in September follows earlier announcements by Ruto in December 2025 that the government intended to embark on the project in 2026, though a firm start date had not been provided.
Complementary Road Works and Infrastructure Plans
In addition to the Thika expressway project, Ruto outlined broader plans to improve roads and transport infrastructure. These include ongoing dualling of other road sections, such as the Kiambu Road from Pangani to Ndenderu and enhancements to parts of the Northern Bypass from Kamakis to Kiambu town.
The government has set aside significant funding — about Sh15 billion in the current fiscal year — for such upgrades to improve mobility and road safety.
The announcement comes amid other transport initiatives, with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) undertaking major clearance exercises along the Thika Superhighway to remove illegal structures and prepare the corridor for modern infrastructure, including designated bus parks to improve passenger movement and traffic flow.
Local Leaders Urged to Support Development
While unveiling the construction timeline, Ruto urged local leaders in Kiambu to put aside political disputes and collaborate on service delivery and development projects.
He emphasised that infrastructure improvements, including the expressway, are vital for economic growth and improved quality of life for residents in the greater Nairobi region.
