Ruto says 15,000 jobs on the horizon following launch of landmark highway expansion
The 233-kilometre corridor, one of East Africa’s busiest transport routes, links Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the DRC. Once completed, it is expected to ease cargo movement, reduce travel time and lower road accident rates.
President William Ruto has announced that at least 15,000 young Kenyans will get jobs once the construction of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha highways commences.
He described the project as a transformative milestone in the country’s infrastructure and economic agenda.
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Speaking during the official launch of the Sh170 billion venture, the President said the highways will not only enhance transport efficiency along one of East Africa’s busiest corridors but also act as a nationwide job engine by engaging thousands of youth, technicians, engineers and small enterprises throughout the construction period.
“This project will create 15,000 jobs. It will build not just roads, but careers, skills and livelihoods — with Kenyan workers taking the lead,” Ruto said.
He noted that the government deliberately structured the Public–Private Partnership (PPP) model to prioritise local contractors, deepen skills transfer, expand opportunities for SMEs and strengthen Kenya’s domestic supply capacities.
The President framed the project as a significant break from decades of slowed or debt-dependent infrastructure development, saying the country had long been constrained by limited financing options.
“For too long we were stuck between borrowing, overtaxing or doing nothing,” he said. “This project proves we can build smarter and still deliver transformation.”
Since independence, Kenya has constructed about 22,000 kilometres of tarmacked roads. Ruto contrasted this with Japan’s one million kilometres built over a similar period, arguing that the new initiative marks an overdue correction to historical underinvestment.
The 233-kilometre corridor, one of East Africa’s busiest transport routes, links Kenya to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the DRC. Once completed, it is expected to ease cargo movement, reduce travel time and lower road accident rates.
Key features include dual carriageway upgrade, intelligent Transport Systems (ITS), pedestrian bridges and truck lay-bys, modern drainage and road lighting and strengthened Maai Mahiu–Naivasha section for heavy cargo flow.
The highway will also boost logistics around the Naivasha Inland Depot and support Kenya’s position as a regional transit hub.
“Traffic has cost us lives, business time and billions. Today we say: no more,” Ruto declared. “This road will cut travel time, save lives and unlock trade across the region.”
He added that the project reflects a broader economic shift from state-driven infrastructure financing to blended investment with private sector partners, a model he said will lower business costs and boost Kenya’s competitiveness in global markets.
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