President William Ruto has said the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha highway projects will create thousands of jobs and equip 15,000 young Kenyans with technical skills.
Ruto made the remarks on Friday during the launch of the two Public–Private Partnership road projects in Kiambu County.
He said the works mark the beginning of a new era in Kenya’s infrastructure development.
He added that the initiative goes beyond building transport corridors.
"This project will create thousands of jobs, with 15,000 young Kenyans gaining skills as they help build this highway," he said.
"It will not only construct roads, but careers and futures, with local content leading and Kenyan businesses at the centre."
Ruto said the projects represent a shift in how Kenya finances major infrastructure.
He explained that relying on the national budget, borrowing, or slowing development were no longer viable options.
“If we waited for the national budget, we would have waited a lifetime,” he said.
"If we borrowed, we would have added to our debts. If we taxed more, we would have suffocated families.”
He said the PPP model offers a sustainable alternative.
“This is what happens when government stops trying to do everything alone and starts doing things smarter and in partnership with the private sector,” he said.
The President said the roads, covering 175 kilometres between Nairobi and Mau Summit, and 58 kilometres between Nairobi and Naivasha, will improve safety and efficiency along a corridor that serves Kenya and its regional neighbours.
“For too long, this corridor carried more than it could bear,” he noted.
“Traffic consumed our time, accidents stole our loved ones, and delays cost our economy billions. Today we say: no more.”
Ruto said the upgraded route will support regional trade by improving links to Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
“This road will unlock faster, safer and more efficient movement of people and goods,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of Chinese partners in the project.
“Their technology and experience strengthen these projects while helping build capacity within our own workforce,” he said.
Ruto said the launch aligns with Kenya’s broader plan for modern infrastructure, expanded energy capacity, industrial growth and improved competitiveness.
He revealed that the government will establish a National Infrastructure Fund and a Sovereign Wealth Fund to reduce long-term reliance on debt.
But he told contractors and local communities that successful delivery will depend on discipline and transparency.
“Together, we must guard quality. Together, we must uphold transparency.”
He said the impact of the project goes beyond the physical work.
“It is not about the kilometres we pave. It is about the lives we change and the opportunities we unlock.”
Ruto stated that the new road represents Kenya’s commitment to excellence.
“This is our moment to rise from the ordinary,” he said.
“To leave mediocrity behind and walk confidently into excellence.”
The President noted that cross the country, a new generation of transformative highways is rising.
"In the coming months, we will break ground on major dual-carriageway corridors, from Muthaiga to Kiambu and Ndumberi, from Machakos Junction to Mariakani, from Mau Summit to Kericho and Kisumu, and from Kisumu onward to Busia," he said.
" And we will continue across the Republic: the Athi River–Namanga road, the Karatina–Nanyuki– Isiolo corridor, Makutano–Embu–Meru–Maua, Mtwapa–Malindi, Mombasa– Lunga Lunga, Kericho–Kisii–Migori–Isebania, Nakuru–Nyahururu–Nanyuki, Kisii–Oyugis–Ahero, and key Nairobi corridors such as the Northern Bypass, Bomas–Karen–Ngong,and Bomas–Ongata Rongai–Kiserian—Ngong."
Ruto said this way, Kenya will correct a historic shortfall.
"Since independence, Kenya has tarmacked only 22,000 kilometres of road. Over a similar historical period, a nation such as Japan has built more than one million kilometres, a contrast that underscores the scale of our long-standing infrastructure gap," the President explained.
