William Ruto has announced that construction of the long-awaited Nairobi–Thika Expressway will begin in September 2026, marking a major step in efforts to ease traffic congestion along one of Kenya’s busiest transport corridors.
The president linked the project’s rollout to the completion of the ongoing JKIA–Westlands road expansion, positioning the new 60-kilometer highway as the next phase in Nairobi’s expanding expressway network.
Speaking during a church service at Jesus Compassion Ministry (JCM) in Ruiru on Sunday, February 22, 2026, Ruto confirmed that the Nairobi–Thika Expressway will begin at the Museum Hill Interchange, branching off from the existing Nairobi Expressway, and extend all the way to Thika town.
The project targets chronic traffic congestion, particularly around the Githurai area, where motorists often endure hours-long gridlock.
“This traffic jam, after Githurai, causes disruption all the way to Museum Hill. I am telling you now, just as we constructed the expressway from JKIA to Westlands, I will return here in September to begin construction of the expressway from Thika,” Ruto said.
The Nairobi–Thika corridor serves thousands of daily commuters traveling between Nairobi’s central business district and rapidly growing residential and industrial hubs in Kiambu County. The proposed expressway aims to reduce travel time, improve connectivity, and support economic activity in the region.
Sh15 Billion Allocated for Road Infrastructure
Ruto also revealed that the government has set aside Sh15 billion this financial year for road infrastructure projects.
The funding will support the dualling of Kiambu Road between Pangani and Ndenderu and the expansion of the Northern Bypass from Kamakis to Kiambu town. These projects form part of a broader plan to decongest Nairobi and improve mobility across satellite towns.
By prioritizing key arteries feeding into the capital, the administration seeks to create a more efficient transport network that matches the region’s fast-paced urban growth.
Ruto Urges Unity Amid Kiambu Political Tensions
Beyond infrastructure, the president addressed rising political tensions in Kiambu County. He called on leaders to unite and focus on service delivery, pointing to ongoing friction between Members of Parliament and Kimani Wamatangi.
The dispute has largely revolved around political rivalry involving Alice Ng’ang’a, popularly known as “Mama Simba,” who has declared her interest in the governor’s seat. The rivalry has occasionally disrupted public events and fueled divisions within the county’s leadership.
“The work in Kiambu is our job, from the MCA to the governor. We who have been elected by the people of Kiambu—MCA, MP, Senator, Governor, Woman Representative, and the President—are the servants of the people of Kiambu and the people of Kenya,” Ruto said.
He reminded elected officials that voters will ultimately judge their performance if development stalls.
“If the work of Kiambu goes wrong, we are the ones to be questioned. So I ask you, leaders of Kiambu, not to look at who to blame. If there’s work to be done in Kiambu, we all must work together,” Ruto added.
KeNHA Demolitions and Traders’ Plight Along Thika Road
During the same event, Governor Wamatangi raised concerns about recent demolitions conducted by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) along Thika Road.
According to the governor, nighttime operations led to the destruction of more than 300 stalls, leaving traders without a source of income. While backing major infrastructure upgrades, including the planned Githurai terminal, Wamatangi urged the national government to adopt a more humane approach.
He proposed convening a meeting at State House to explore solutions, including financial support to help displaced traders relocate.
“We are not opposed to the projects along Thika Road, including the planned construction of a terminal at Githurai, but we should sit with these people and find a solution for them. Getting Sh10,000 or Sh20,000 to facilitate their relocation won’t be that difficult.”
Ruto responded by challenging leaders to collectively address the issue rather than shift responsibility.
“If a problem has emerged in Githurai, let us not blame each other. We should solve the problem together. We shouldn’t point fingers and say it’s so-and-so. There’s no one in a lesser position among us here. We are all in government. Who is to be blamed here?” he said.