President William Ruto’s cabinet has given the green light to a major upgrade of the Nairobi Northern Bypass, approving its transformation into a dual carriageway to address the chronic traffic congestion plaguing commuters.
In a Cabinet dispatch released on June 24, 2025, the government announced that the 20.2-kilometre stretch will be dualed, with construction expected to ease traffic flow and enhance safety across the route. The road, currently a single carriageway, connects Ruaka in Kiambu County to Ruiru, linking both the Western Bypass and the Eastern Bypass.
“The upgrade is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and boost access to economic hubs, industrial zones, and essential services in Nairobi and Kiambu counties,” the Cabinet statement read.
What the Project Entails
The dualing project will not only expand capacity but also bring major infrastructure improvements, including:
- Eight new interchanges
- Modern overpasses and underpasses
- Non-motorised transport lanes (walkways and cycle paths)
- Upgraded drainage systems
- Enhancements to connecting roads
This development positions the Northern Bypass—currently the only single-lane bypass in Nairobi—for a long-overdue upgrade that aligns with Kenya’s broader Vision 2030 infrastructure goals.
