The government has unveiled an ambitious plan to upgrade the 94-kilometre Gilgil–Mau Summit road into a modern dual six-lane carriageway, marking a significant milestone in the expansion of the Western Corridor. President William Ruto said the transformative project, which cuts through the heart of Nakuru City, will greatly ease traffic flow, enhance safety, and support economic activity along the busy route.
In Nakuru City, the upgrade will feature a 3.34-kilometre dual four-lane viaduct designed to decongest the urban centre. The project will also include a 900-metre retaining wall to stabilise the road and protect surrounding infrastructure, further strengthening the road’s durability and safety.
Construction works will be undertaken by Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Company Ltd at a cost of $678 million (approximately KSh88 billion). According to President Ruto, the project is expected to be completed within two years, marking one of the most significant infrastructural undertakings in the region.
Once completed, the upgraded section will drastically improve the movement of goods and people along the Western Corridor, one of Kenya’s key economic lifelines. The improved connectivity is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce travel times, and ease long-standing bottlenecks on the route.
President Ruto added that the project will also stimulate tourism in Nakuru and the greater Rift Valley, opening new opportunities for trade, investment, and regional growth. The enhanced corridor is projected to transform mobility and unlock economic potential across the wider region.
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