Outrage as Ruto Announces Plan to ‘Dual’ Thika Superhighway, a Road Already Dualled
President William Ruto has triggered widespread public debate after declaring that his administration intends to dual the Thika Superhighway — a major transport artery that was already expanded into a multi-lane dual carriageway more than ten years ago.
The President made the remarks on Tuesday at State House, Nairobi, during the launch of the Jukwaa la Usalama report, where he outlined his ambitions to upgrade 2,500 kilometres of national roads as part of a broader plan to propel Kenya towards becoming a first-world economy.
Explaining the government’s infrastructure agenda, Ruto highlighted several major corridors earmarked for expansion.
“Barabara tumeanzisha kutoka Rironi, the first 170 kilometres, tunatengeneza lane nne. Ikifika Naivasha tunapanua inakuwa lane sita mpaka Nakuru ndo tuwache msongamano,” he said.
He added that the dualing of other key roads remained a priority, stating: “Hii barabara ya kuenda Ongata Rongai na Ngong tunafanya dual carriageway. Barabara ya kutoka Thika mpaka hapa Nairobi, next year tunafanya dual carriageway.”
The comment instantly drew scrutiny from Kenyans who questioned why public funds would be directed toward “dualising” the Thika Superhighway — a project that was already completed between 2009 and 2012 under the late President Mwai Kibaki at a cost of Ksh31 billion. The 50-kilometre road, linking Nairobi to Thika, was officially opened in November 2012 and has since remained one of the country’s most modern multi-lane highways.
Many Kenyans suggested the President may have misspoken, while others argued that the remarks reflected growing concerns about the government’s prioritisation of infrastructure spending. Social media users were quick to mock the announcement, with some drawing parallels to Ruto’s repeated references to transforming Kenya into a “Singapore-style” economy.
“It’s like the meaning of ‘dual’ in this new Singapore is different,” one user commented on X.
Another asked: “Unless I don’t know what dualling is — Thika Road is already dualled!”
A third wrote: “It’s so ironic to see this dude unapologetically make more promises despite not fulfilling most of the promises he made during the campaign period.”
The debate overshadowed Ruto’s broader message at the event, where he lauded Parliament for approving the establishment of the National Infrastructure Fund (NIF) and the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF). According to the President, the two funds will be instrumental in financing the government’s major infrastructure projects from next year.
The NIF is intended to introduce a new funding architecture that leverages capital markets, encourages privatisation, and channels private investment through public-private partnership frameworks. The SWF, on the other hand, will pool royalties from natural resources and proceeds from the privatisation of national assets for long-term investment.
“Hivyo ndivyo nchi zingine zote zilifanya,” Ruto said, emphasising that the model mirrors strategies used by rapidly developing economies. “Tutaweka pesa ya budget, tutaweka proceeds ya privatisation, tutaweka pesa ya royalties kutoka minerals tukonayo. Tutaweka pesa ya private sector… and we’re going to take this country forward.”
He dismissed suggestions that the plan was politically timed, insisting the transformation agenda would commence immediately.
“Si ati inaanza miaka gani, inaanza next year,” he said. “Najua kuna watu wanafikiria mimi naongea mambo ya uchaguzi — naongea mambo ya transformation. Uchaguzi utakuja na siku moja na itapita. Transformation is what will take this country to the next level.”
Despite the explanations, questions linger over what exactly the President meant regarding the Thika Superhighway — and whether the government intends further expansion or if the declaration was merely an error in phrasing.
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Outrage as Ruto Announces Plan to ‘Dual’ Thika Superhighway, a Road Already Dualled