The 60 km Nairobi–Thika Expressway: what we know, and what we don't
The government plans a new expressway from Museum Hill to Thika to ease one of Nairobi's worst traffic corridors. Here are the facts so far.
The government plans to build a 60-kilometre expressway from the Museum Hill interchange in Nairobi, where the existing Nairobi Expressway passes, to Thika town. President William Ruto first set out the plan in February 2026.
What we know
- Route: Museum Hill to Thika, along the Thika Road corridor.
- Model: based on the existing JKIA–Westlands Nairobi Expressway.
- Purpose: to ease heavy congestion, especially between Githurai and Museum Hill.
- Timing: construction was promised to begin by September 2026, after the expansion of the JKIA–Westlands road. In late October 2026, reports said groundbreaking would happen within two months.
- The Kenya National Highways Authority has ordered roadside traders along the Thika Superhighway to move to make way for upgrades.
What we don't know yet
| Question | Status |
|---|---|
| Total cost | Not announced |
| Who pays: government, investor, or a public-private partnership | Not announced |
| Will it be tolled, and at what rates? | Not announced |
| Who will build it | Not announced |
Why these questions matter: the existing Nairobi Expressway is tolled. Whether the new road is free or tolled, and at what price, decides who will actually use it and how much it eases traffic on the free road below.
We will update this page as the cost, financing and builder are announced.
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