Relief for Nairobi motorists as Ruto opens Sh3.58 billion Ngong Road–Naivasha Road flyover to ease city traffic

President William Ruto has commissioned the Sh3.58 billion Ngong Road–Naivasha Road flyover near Junction Mall in Nairobi, a project expected to ease congestion, improve connectivity, reduce travel time and enhance movement across the city.

The 255-metre, four-lane flyover was constructed by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) and funded through the Spanish Corporate International Fund. According to KURA, construction began on September 16, 2024.

Speaking during the commissioning on Monday, President Ruto said the project was part of efforts to address Nairobi’s long-standing transport challenges and improve the efficiency of the capital city.

He said traffic congestion had affected workers, businesses and families by increasing costs and reducing productive time.

“Every great city reaches a moment when its ambition begins to outgrow its infrastructure. Nairobi reached that moment many years ago. For too long, congestion has imposed a high cost on our economy and on the daily lives of our people. Congestion is not merely a transport challenge; it is an economic challenge. Every hour lost in traffic is an hour of productivity forfeited, income delayed and opportunity diminished,” Ruto said.

He emphasised that the Ngong Road–Naivasha Road flyover was a strategic investment aimed at improving movement within Nairobi.

“This Sh3.8 billion project removes one of Nairobi's most persistent traffic bottlenecks by separating traffic, improving safety for motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike and restoring the strong movement of people and the smooth movement of goods along one of the city's most transport corridors and busiest corridors,” he said.

He added that modern infrastructure should reduce travel time, lower transport costs, improve road safety and make cities function better.

The flyover includes improved junctions, walkways and cycling lanes aimed at improving safety for all road users. The project also features upgraded drainage systems to help reduce flooding risks during rainy seasons, while landscaping works are expected to improve the city’s appearance.

KURA said the project would boost mobility and create a better urban environment once fully opened.

“Every detail matters. As the Ngong Road Flyover receives its final touches ahead of its official commissioning, it showcases precision engineering, innovation & aesthetic appeal, creating infrastructure that improves mobility and enhances the city's skyline,” the authority said.

President Ruto said the commissioning was part of a wider plan to transform Nairobi’s transport system through several road projects.

He noted that construction of the Upper Hill–Kenyatta Avenue fire duct, valued at Sh3 billion, was 60 per cent complete and would improve access to the central business district once completed.

“Once finished, it will significantly improve access into the central business district and ease congestion across one of the city's busiest commercial zones,” he said.

The President also said the government had started upgrading State House Road through a Sh1.6 billion investment and was constructing access roads to Talanta Sports City Stadium through a Sh3.9 billion project ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He added that plans were underway to dual the 23.5-kilometre Kiambu Road corridor from Muthaiga to Kiambu and its bypasses through a $221 million (Sh30 billion) investment.

“Together, these projects are systematically removing the transport bottlenecks that have restrained the growth of our capital city for decades,” Ruto said.

He also noted that Nairobi was adopting smart transport solutions through the implementation of an intelligent transport system.

According to the Head of State, the first phase, covering 25 signalised junctions and a modern traffic management centre, is valued at $60 million (about Sh7.9 billion), while the second phase will expand the system to 60 additional junctions through a Sh13 billion investment. The third phase, valued at Sh24 billion, will extend the system to another 125 junctions.

“Upon completion, more than 210 junctions across Nairobi will operate through a coordinated real-time traffic management system that optimises traffic flows, improves road safety, and reduces travel time around our city,” he said.

President Ruto further said the Nairobi Urban Regeneration Programme was improving roads across all parts of the city. He said 729 kilometres of urban roads were under routine maintenance, while phase one of road rehabilitation covering 62 kilometres was 85 per cent complete for Sh1.9 billion.

A further 59 kilometres would be upgraded under phase two for Sh1.7 billion, while phase three would deliver another 45 kilometres at an estimated cost of Sh2.5 billion.

“Our objective is straightforward. Every ward in Nairobi should benefit from modern, reliable road infrastructure development cannot be reserved for a few neighbourhoods while others are left behind. Every Kenyan deserves safe roads, better access and equal opportunity,” he said.

The President also announced a Sh2 billion drainage improvement programme aimed at reducing flooding and protecting homes, businesses and infrastructure during heavy rains.

He emphasised that the investments were aimed at creating a more efficient, connected and competitive Nairobi.