NAIROBI, Kenya — The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has announced plans to construct and upgrade three major highways linking six counties in the Rift Valley, a move expected to improve regional connectivity, unlock rural economies, and strengthen access to essential services.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, January 20, KeNHA said the proposed projects will connect Nandi, Bomet, Kericho, Elgeyo Marakwet, Uasin Gishu, and Narok counties, forming a strategic transport corridor between the North and South Rift Valley regions.
New North–South Rift Valley Link
One of the flagship projects is the Kenegut Border–Mbogo Valley–Kamelilo–Maraba–Kabirer–Sirwa–Lessos–Chuyiet–Kipkabus–Nyaru highway, a 150-kilometer road that traverses Kericho, Nandi, Uasin Gishu, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties.
According to KeNHA, the highway is designed to serve as a key link between the North and South Rift, opening up remote rural areas and enhancing access to education, healthcare, markets, and administrative centres.
“The project will significantly improve mobility across counties and reduce travel time while stimulating socio-economic development in underserved areas,” KeNHA said in the notice.
Bomet–Narok Road to Ease Regional Movement
KeNHA also revealed plans to commence construction of the Embomoss–Koiwa–Chebole–Siongiroi–Labotiet–Gorgor–Ambosi–Dikirr–Kilgoris–Enoo Saen–Anganga Mariwa highway, a 143-kilometre road linking Bomet and Narok counties.
The authority said the road will ease movement between the two counties while strengthening transport connections toward Kericho and Nakuru, both major commercial hubs in the Rift Valley.
The corridor is expected to support agricultural trade, particularly livestock and cash crops, while improving access to social services for communities along the route.
In addition to new construction, KeNHA disclosed plans to expand the Kericho–Ainamoi–Poiywek–Chepkoiyo–Koisegem–Fort Ternan–Gilimori–Kenegut Border road, which spans over 110 kilometres.
The upgraded corridor will enhance connectivity between Kericho and Nandi counties, linking key urban and economic centres such as Ainamoi and Kipkelion West.
KeNHA said the expansion will improve traffic flow, reduce transport costs, and support industrial and agricultural activities in the region.
Funding and Procurement Process
The authority confirmed that the road projects will be financed through loans from the World Bank and the African Development Bank (AfDB).
KeNHA has already invited eligible consulting firms to submit expressions of interest for feasibility studies and preliminary engineering designs, marking the initial phase toward project implementation.
The projects align with the government’s broader infrastructure agenda under the Constitution of Kenya 2010, particularly Article 174 on devolution, which emphasises equitable development and improved service delivery across regions.
Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei welcomed the announcement, praising President William Ruto’s administration for prioritising infrastructure development in the region.
“Thank you, President William Ruto, for the continued support in development. Nandi County is among the beneficiaries of the Kericho–Nandi–Uasin Gishu trans-county tarmac road,” Cherargei said.
Tinderet MP Julius Melly said the interconnected road network would transform rural economies and strengthen regional integration.
“This marks a major planning milestone. These roads will open up rural areas, enhance access to markets and services, and support digital connectivity,” Melly said.
KeNHA said further updates would be issued as feasibility studies and procurement processes progress.
