Construction of the Nairobi-Thika Expressway is set to break ground in September 2026, promising a major upgrade to Nairobi’s road network. This $650 million project aims to slash travel times, reduce congestion, and boost connectivity across the city’s northern and western corridors.

Improved Connectivity and Reduced Congestion

The expressway will link Thika Road to Westlands, connecting residential areas to commercial hubs. Consequently, commuters will save time and reduce vehicle operating costs. In addition, traffic pressure on Thika Superhighway and surrounding roads will decrease.

The route will feature multiple interchanges and grade-separated junctions to streamline vehicle movement. Furthermore, modern tolling systems will be integrated to support efficient user-pay operations.

As a result, the corridor will provide a faster and safer commuting option for daily travelers. Moreover, it will complement the Nairobi Expressway network, ensuring traffic is distributed more evenly across the city.

Public-Private Partnership and Project Management

The project will follow a public-private partnership model, combining private investment with government oversight. Therefore, private investors will finance and operate the roadway while assuming upfront construction risks.

Meanwhile, government agencies will provide regulatory guidance and institutional support. Preparatory works, including feasibility studies and traffic assessments, will intensify before construction begins. Once approvals are in place, contractors will mobilize equipment, materials, and workforce along the corridor.

The expressway will include elevated and at-grade sections, designed for high-speed traffic and urban access. Additionally, safety measures, modern signage, and pedestrian access will be incorporated where necessary. Environmental assessments are underway to ensure compliance with sustainability standards.

The estimated construction duration is approximately three years, targeting completion before 2030. The Thika-Westlands Expressway follows a growing trend of major road upgrades in Kenya. For instance, the $2 billion Rironi‑Mau Summit Highway project is transforming roughly 175 kilometres of existing roadway into a modern four-lane dual carriageway.

Like the Thika-Westlands corridor, it is structured as a public-private partnership, improving connectivity, reducing travel times, and supporting regional trade.

Economic and Social Benefits

Beyond transport efficiency, the project will generate employment during construction and operation phases. Consequently, it is expected to stimulate economic activity along the corridor, encouraging commercial growth. Moreover, faster and more reliable mobility will attract additional private investment to surrounding neighborhoods.

The Nairobi-Thika Expressway aligns with Nairobi’s long-term urban mobility strategy, supporting broader infrastructure development. Furthermore, it offers a replicable model for future urban expressways, balancing traffic efficiency with public and private interests.

Once completed, commuters will experience a significant reduction in travel times and improved connectivity across the city. Finally, the $650 million investment represents one of Nairobi’s largest road infrastructure projects in recent years.

Project Fact Sheet: Nairobi-Thika Expressway 

• Project Name: Nairobi-Thika Expressway
• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• Estimated Cost: $650 million (subject to confirmation at financial close)
• Project Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP)
• Scope: Elevated and at-grade tolled expressway linking Thika Road to Westlands
• Key Features: Interchanges, electronic tolling, grade separation
• Construction Start: September 2026
• Estimated Duration: Approximately 36 months

Project Team: Nairobi-Thika Expressway 

• Project Sponsor: Government of Kenya
• Lead Authority: Ministry of Roads and Transport
• PPP Oversight: Public-Private Partnership Directorate, Kenya
• Expected Concessionaire: To be confirmed at financial close
• Engineering and Design Consultants: To be appointed