The Cabinet approved the upgrade of Nairobi’s 20.2‑kilometre Northern Bypass into a dual carriageway. The decision marks a major step in Kenya’s push to untangle traffic congestion and enhance connectivity in Nairobi and neighboring Kiambu County.
The Northern Bypass currently links Ruaka through Ruiru. It remains the only major arterial route in Nairobi that still operates as a single carriageway. As traffic volumes grow, the road has experienced worsening jams and elevated accident risks during peak hours.
Now, the government will convert it into a dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction. The project will include eight modern interchanges, multiple overpasses and underpasses to ensure continuous flow. It will also introduce pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes to promote non-motorised transport.
Officials said improved drainage systems and upgrades to feeder roads will accompany the main works to strengthen resilience during rainy seasons. They also promised enhanced safety measures to reduce overtaking-related accidents that are common on single-lane roads.
President William Ruto oversaw the Cabinet meeting at State House, Nairobi, where ministries jointly endorsed the project. Infrastructure Cabinet Secretary said this move will connect key economic zones and industrial hubs in Nairobi and Kiambu, opening up new development corridors.
The government expects the dualing upgrade to slash commuter travel time, cut fuel costs, reduce emissions, and boost productivity. These benefits extend to local businesses, transport operators, and everyday commuters, who have long suffered delayed journeys and sharp increase in transport expenses.
This infrastructure push accompanies another major initiative: the Nairobi Railway City Central Station and Public Realm Project. That plan will revamp the old Central Railway Station into a major hub with nine platforms, upgraded bridges and capacity for 30,000 commuters per hour. The station will link to BRT Line 3, commuter rail lines, and the Standard Gauge Railway to JKIA, transforming Nairobi’s transit landscape.
Analysts say combining road and rail projects signals a shift toward integrated mobility solutions. Transport experts welcomed the move. A professor at the University of Nairobi’s Department of Urban Planning noted, “This upgrade could reduce bottlenecks by integrating multiple modes of transport.”
Environmental groups also praised the inclusion of cycle and pedestrian paths as a step toward sustainable urban mobility.
Construction plans are already underway, with the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) expected to finalize tendering and site surveys soon. Stakeholders anticipate job opportunities during construction and beyond.
However, civil society voices urge the government to ensure transparent procurement, local content, and minimal disruption. A Mavoko-based transport operator commented, “We hope they involve local mechanics and engineers, so the benefits stick to the community.”
Residents living along the bypass, especially in Ruaka, Gitaru and Ruiru, welcomed the news. One trader said, “We’ve seen too many accidents here. We look forward to freer flow and safer commutes.”
The dual‑carriageway upgrade positions Nairobi’s Northern Bypass as a corridor capable of sustaining growth and easing pressure on the city’s road network.
