KAJIADO, Kenya — Repair works have begun on sections of the Sh3.9 billion Ngong-Suswa Road after large potholes developed along the highway, raising concerns among motorists and residents over the durability of the recently completed project.
A spot check established that several damaged sections of the 66-kilometre road had been cut in preparation for rehabilitation, with a contractor beginning repairs on parts of the affected highway.
Despite the ongoing works, motorists continue to slow down and manoeuvre around potholes on sections that have not yet been repaired to avoid damaging their vehicles.
The deteriorating stretches have disrupted the smooth flow of traffic, with some drivers weaving across lanes as the bitumen surface continues to wear.
Residents living near the affected sections said the road has remained damaged for months despite indications that repairs were planned.
“Imagine, for two years the road has been like this despite the billions used here,” one resident said.
Another resident attributed the deterioration to the increasing number of heavy trucks using the road, claiming it was not designed to handle such traffic. However, that assertion could not be independently verified.
Strategic Highway
The Ngong-Suswa Road has been in use since 2021, although construction on some sections continued before the government announced completion of the entire project in December 2025.
The highway traverses Kajiado North and Kajiado West sub-counties and was constructed at a cost of about Sh3.9 billion.
It serves as an alternative route for motorists travelling from Nairobi to Narok, Bomet, Kericho, Kisii and other parts of western Kenya.
At the time of commissioning, the government said the road would ease congestion along the Nairobi–Mai Mahiu corridor, improve road safety and stimulate trade, tourism and economic growth.
Officials also projected that the highway would attract investment, increase land values and spur the establishment of businesses such as petrol stations, markets and service centres along the corridor.
Motorists Raise Concerns
The emergence of potholes barely months after the project’s completion has prompted questions from road users about the quality of construction and the pace of maintenance on one of the region’s key transport links.