President William Ruto has officially commissioned the Ngong Road Flyover, paving the way for motorists to begin using the new infrastructure project designed to ease congestion along one of Nairobi’s busiest transport corridors.
The Head of State presided over the commissioning ceremony on Monday, marking the completion of the Ksh3.58 billion project implemented by Kenya Urban Roads Authority as part of wider efforts to modernise transport infrastructure in the capital city.
The newly completed overpass is expected to significantly improve traffic flow along Ngong Road, particularly around the busy Junction Mall area where motorists have for years experienced lengthy delays during peak hours.
According to KURA, the project was specifically designed to enhance the efficiency of Ngong Road through grade separation, a traffic engineering solution that allows vehicles travelling in different directions to move without intersecting at traffic lights or roundabouts.
The authority noted that the project would eliminate bottlenecks at the strategic junction and substantially reduce travel times for private motorists, public transport operators and pedestrians using the corridor daily.
The Ngong Road and Naivasha Road Flyover located near Junction Mall was financed through a loan facility from the Spain Corporate International Fund (FIEM), highlighting the role of international partnerships in supporting Kenya’s infrastructure development agenda.
Apart from improving traffic movement, the project also incorporates Non-Motorized Transport facilities aimed at making the road safer and more accessible for pedestrians and cyclists.
The inclusion of dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling infrastructure reflects the government’s broader vision of promoting sustainable and inclusive urban mobility in Nairobi.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Davis Chirchir explained that the flyover consists of a 400-metre elevated section alongside an additional 400 metres of expanded roadway intended to improve traffic circulation around the area.
According to Chirchir, the project represents a major milestone in the government’s efforts to decongest Nairobi and improve efficiency within the city’s transport network.
For thousands of commuters who rely on Ngong Road every day, the opening of the flyover is expected to translate into shorter journeys, reduced fuel consumption and increased productivity due to less time spent in traffic.
The project also comes at a time when Nairobi continues to experience rapid urban growth, resulting in increased pressure on existing transport infrastructure.
During the event, President Ruto outlined several additional road projects currently underway across Nairobi as part of the government’s broader urban transformation agenda.
Among the flagship projects highlighted by the President was the Upper Hill–Kenyatta Avenue Viaduct, which he revealed is already approximately 60 percent complete.
Once completed, the viaduct is expected to provide an alternative route for motorists travelling through Nairobi’s central business district and surrounding commercial areas.
The President also announced ongoing improvements to State House Road through a Ksh1.6 billion investment aimed at modernising the strategic transport corridor and improving connectivity within the city.
Ruto stated that the government remains committed to investing in transport infrastructure as a key driver of economic growth and urban competitiveness.
He further disclosed that the government is currently implementing Nairobi’s Intelligent Transport System, a major initiative expected to transform traffic management in the city through the use of modern technology.
According to the President, the project is poised to become one of the largest smart urban mobility investments on the African continent.
The first phase of the initiative includes the installation of 25 signalised junctions as well as the construction of a modern traffic management centre valued at approximately Ksh7 billion.
The government believes that once operational, the system will improve traffic flow, enhance road safety and provide real-time monitoring of transport conditions across Nairobi.
Urban planners have long argued that intelligent traffic management systems are essential for addressing congestion challenges in rapidly growing cities such as Nairobi.
By combining physical infrastructure projects with smart traffic solutions, the government hopes to create a more efficient and sustainable urban transport ecosystem.
Also present during the commissioning ceremony was Johnson Sakaja, who credited the achievement to the close cooperation between the county government and the national government.
Sakaja noted that collaboration between the two levels of government has accelerated the implementation of infrastructure projects that directly impact residents and businesses.
The Nairobi governor expressed optimism that continued cooperation would unlock further investments aimed at improving transport, housing and public services within the city.
President Ruto echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that infrastructure remains central to the country’s economic ambitions and long-term development strategy.
“We will continue building infrastructure that supports enterprise, attracts investment and prepares Nairobi for the demands of a rapidly growing economy,” the President said during the event.
The commissioning of the Ngong Road Flyover represents another milestone in the government’s push to modernise urban transport infrastructure and position Nairobi as a competitive regional economic hub.
For commuters who have spent years navigating traffic jams at the Junction Mall intersection, the opening of the overpass offers hope for faster journeys and a more efficient road network.
As motorists begin using the new facility, attention will now shift to the completion of other ongoing projects expected to further transform mobility within Kenya’s capital city.
With several major transport investments already underway, Nairobi appears set for a significant shift toward smarter, faster and more efficient urban transportation in the coming years.