Kenya Boosts Infrastructure with Major Road Upgrade in Laikipia County
The Kenyan government is injecting significant capital into its transport infrastructure, with a substantial contract awarded for the upgrading of a crucial road section in Laikipia County. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) has contracted Wak Construction to undertake a Sh2.47 billion project aimed at tarmacking the road from Rumuruti to Nanyuki. This development signals a renewed commitment to revitalizing stalled infrastructure projects across the nation.
The awarded contract specifically targets Section One of the broader Rumuruti–Mutara–Nanyuki corridor. According to disclosures made to the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority, the agreement was finalized on January 8, 2026. Construction is slated to commence on March 24, 2026, with an ambitious timeline of nearly five years, projecting completion by March 10, 2031. Wak Construction, the firm behind this significant undertaking, is jointly owned by James Njuguna Mburu and Agnes Njeri Mburu.
Project Scope and Funding
The Sh2.47 billion project encompasses the transformation of the Rumuruti–Mutara stretch, which currently consists largely of gravel, into a fully paved, all-weather road. Key components of the upgrade include extensive earthworks to ensure a stable foundation, the installation of robust drainage systems to manage water runoff and prevent erosion, and the application of high-quality surfacing.
In the current financial year, which concludes in June, the National Treasury has allocated Sh206,898,469 to facilitate the initial phases of this vital project. This financial commitment underscores the government’s priority in advancing this infrastructure development.
Strategic Importance of the Road
The Rumuruti–Mutara–Nanyuki road corridor holds immense strategic importance for Laikipia County and beyond. It serves as a critical artery, directly linking the agricultural hub of Rumuruti with the commercially and touristically significant town of Nanyuki. Furthermore, it provides a vital connection to Nyeri County, enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating the movement of goods and people.
The upgrade is expected to yield a multitude of economic and social benefits:
- Enhanced Agricultural Trade: Laikipia County is a major agricultural producer. The improved road will significantly ease the transportation of produce to markets, reducing spoilage and increasing farmer incomes.
- Reduced Travel Times and Costs: The current unpaved road is prone to deterioration, especially during the rainy seasons, leading to delays, increased vehicle wear and tear, and higher transportation costs for businesses and individuals. The paved road will ensure greater reliability and lower logistical expenses.
- Boost to Tourism: The Nanyuki area and its surroundings are gateways to key tourist attractions, including Mount Kenya National Park and the Aberdare Range. Smoother connectivity will enhance the tourist experience, potentially increasing visitor numbers and benefiting the local tourism economy.
- Improved Access to Services: Better road infrastructure facilitates easier access to essential services, including healthcare and education, for communities along the corridor.
Context of Stalled Projects and Government Initiatives
The awarding of the Rumuruti–Nanyuki road contract comes at a time when the Kenyan government is actively working to unblock a backlog of stalled infrastructure projects. Historically, a significant number of road projects, estimated at 585, had been brought to a halt due to an accumulation of pending bills owed to both local and international contractors, amounting to approximately Sh650 billion.
To address this critical issue, the government implemented a “return-to-work” formula in 2025. This initiative involved the release of Sh123 billion as part of a debt settlement plan, covering arrears accumulated between 2005 and December 2024. Consequently, many contractors were able to resume work in April 2025.
The government has also explored innovative financing mechanisms to ensure the continued progress of these essential projects. Cash flow challenges led to the securitization of a portion of the Roads Maintenance Levy (RML). This levy, set at Sh25 per litre of diesel and petrol, has seen Sh7 securitized in 2024 and an additional Sh5 from July of the following year, bringing the total securitized portion to Sh12. This strategy aims to raise commercial loans specifically for contractor payments, thereby sustaining momentum on critical infrastructure developments like the Rumuruti–Nanyuki road upgrade.
Laikipia County’s Administrative Shift
The Rumuruti–Mutara–Nanyuki corridor’s development also coincides with a significant administrative shift within Laikipia County. Rumuruti was officially designated as the county headquarters at the commencement of Kenya’s devolved system of government, largely due to its central geographical position. However, administrative operations historically remained based in Nanyuki. This changed in December 2023 when Governor Joshua Irungu relocated his office to Rumuruti. This move, while intended to bolster the status of the designated headquarters, reportedly faced some apprehension from traders in Nanyuki, who expressed concerns about potential impacts on their business activities. The improved road infrastructure is expected to bridge any logistical divides that may arise from such administrative realignments.
