President William Ruto has directed the acceleration of key infrastructure projects in Nyeri County, with a major focus on the completion of the Kenol-Karatina-Marua dual carriageway.
Speaking after a meeting with Nyeri leaders led by Governor Mutahi Kahiga at State House, Nairobi, the President said the national government is committed to fast-tracking development projects aimed at boosting economic growth and improving livelihoods in the region.
Top on the agenda is the 84-kilometre Kenol-Karatina-Marua road project, which is being upgraded into a four-lane dual carriageway. The highway cuts across Murang’a, Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties and is part of the Great North Trans-African Highway that links Cairo to Cape Town.
The project, estimated to cost about Ksh33 billion, is jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and the African Development Bank. According to the government, construction is now at 93 per cent completion, with the Kenol-Sagana section already open to motorists.
Work is ongoing on the remaining stretch between Sagana and Marua, covering approximately 36 kilometres. This section previously experienced delays in 2025 due to land compensation issues, but progress has since picked up.
Once complete, the road is expected to ease traffic congestion, reduce travel time and enhance the movement of goods and people across the region. The project also includes modern features such as interchanges, pedestrian footbridges, street lighting, motorcycle lanes and designated roadside markets.
Beyond roads, President Ruto announced plans to fast-track the construction of more than 8,000 affordable housing units in Nyeri, a move expected to address housing shortages while creating employment opportunities for local residents.
The government will also oversee the development of 20 modern markets aimed at supporting small-scale traders by providing improved working environments. Additionally, student accommodation projects are set to be rolled out, targeting university and college learners in the area.
In the sports sector, the President confirmed that Ruring’u Stadium will be upgraded as part of broader efforts to enhance social amenities.
“We have agreed to fast-track these projects to expand opportunities, strengthen local enterprise and uplift the livelihoods of the people of Nyeri,” Ruto said.
The renewed push signals the government’s focus on infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth, with Nyeri among the regions set to benefit from accelerated development initiatives.
