The long-awaited construction of Gitaru Interchange is nearing completion after the government revived stalled road projects, breathing life into one of the country’s most critical transport enhancement improvement projects.
According to Luka Kimeli, Director General of the Kenya National Highways Authority, the project had slowed down due to funding constraints. Still, it resumed following the adoption of a securitization approach to mobilize funds.
“The Gitaru Interchange had stalled due to funding constraints, but securitisation enabled us to resume this critical project, which was initiated in 2024,” said Eng. Kimeli.
“In line with the President’s directive, the government is completing stalled road projects regardless of when they began or which administration started them. Leaving unfinished projects from previous administrations only punishes Kenyans,” he added.
The roads agency states that the project has now reached 85 per cent completion, with works progressing steadily toward full delivery.
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Once completed, the interchange is expected to significantly ease congestion along the busy corridor linking Nairobi and Nakuru. This key transport route carries thousands of vehicles daily to other regions in Kenya.
A unique feature of the interchange is its distinctive four-loop cloverleaf design, inspired by a small plant commonly regarded as a weed widely recognised across Kenyan languages and Sheng.
The design allows traffic to flow continuously without the need for traffic lights or stoppages, a feature expected to reduce travel time and improve safety.
When fully operational, the interchange will streamline vehicle movement, reduce bottlenecks, and improve connectivity along one of Kenya’s busiest highways.
Beyond easing traffic, local traders around Kikuyu and Gitaru are already reaping the fruits of an ultra-modern road network in their vicinity. The small-scale traders are already feeling the ripple effects of better connections to other countries.
Local farmers and service providers within the region already indicate that they are able to transport their products and services to distant destinations within a shorter time than a few months ago; cutting fuel costs and improving reliability.
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“According to how the road network is expanding, it is going to help even the locals while making short-distance trips with farm produce to city markets. This will help businesses also to expand,” says George Larama, a local poultry farmer.
Construction of the project has also created significant economic opportunities. According to KeNHA, the project has employed 500 people currently engaged directly at the Gitaru Interchange site.
The interchange itself is expected to be completed by June 30, 2026.
Once finalised, the development is expected to mark a major milestone in Kenya’s ongoing efforts to modernise its road network and improve mobility for motorists and businesses across the country.
