Since independence, poor road networks and inadequate transport infrastructure have hindered economic growth and mobility.
As of 2022, Kenya had a total of 12,950 kilometres of paved roads, with only 4,300 km in satisfactory condition.
Since President William Ruto’s government took over two and half years ago, there have been expansion of key highways, expressways, and last-mile road connectivity and investments in railway and air transport modernization.
In its latest scorecard report, the government says 339.24 kilometers of blacktop has been laid cumulatively by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) up to 2025, increasing from 186.58 in 2022 to 152.66 in 2025.
Also, 211.86 kilometers of blacktop has been laid cumulatively by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) up to 2025, increasing from 86.85 kilometres in 2022 to 125.01 kilometres in 2025.
797.77 kilometers of blacktop has also been laid cumulatively by the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KeRRA) up to 2025, increasing from 348.80 kilometres in 2022 to 443.97 kilometres in 2025.
In total, 1,343.87 kilometers of blacktop has been laid by all agencies up to 2025, increasing from 622.23 kilometres in 2022 to 721.64 kilometres in 2025.
Maintained roads
31,572.50 kilometers of blacktop have been maintained by KeNHA cumulatively up to 2025, decreasing from 16,488.32 kilometres in 2022 to 15,084.18 kilometres in 2025.
6,758.85 kilometers of blacktop have been maintained by KURA cumulatively up to 2025, decreasing from 3,719.19 kilometres in 2022 to 3,039.66 kilometres in 2025.
55,991.29 kilometers of blacktop have been maintained by KeNHA cumulatively up to 2025, increasing from 23,774.09 kilometres in 2022 to 32,217.20 kilometres in 2025.
In total, 94,322.64 kilometers of blacktop have been maintained by all agencies up to 2025, increasing from 43,981.60 kilometres in 2022 to 50,341.04 kilometres in 2025.
Railway
927,963 less passengers were transported by the metre-gauge railway reflecting a 30.6% decrease, with 2024 figures at 3,029,428 compared to 3,957,391 in 2022. This was due to MGR passenger services being affected by severe rains in the year 2023/24.
The government has also completely developed and rehabilitated 14 airstrips in Migori, Kakamega, Kitale, Kabunde, Bute, Kotulo, Garissa, Takaba, Banisa, Marsabit, Kerega, Lanet, Wanguru and Nanyuki.
Impact
The new transport infrastructure has led to improved connectivity has boosted trade, tourism, and business development. Also, people can travel easily to work, schools, hospitals, and markets.
The improved roads network has reduced travel time and transportation costs forindividuals and businesses and reduced accidents.
For realtors, properties near roads have seen higher demand and prices with roads.
Omondi, a fish trader in Homabay, used to face major losses due to poor roads that delayed his deliveries to markets in Nairobi and Eldoret.
By the time his fish reached customers, some had already spoiled, cutting into his earnings. With the expansion of roads and improved transport networks, he can now transport fresh fish faster, ensuring higher profits and less waste.
The reduced transport costs have also allowed him to invest in better storage facilities, growing his business and improving his family’s livelihood.
Read: Inside the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project Which Promises 30,000 Jobs
>>> Disability: Report Reveals Chilling Details on Workplace Conditions
Leave a comment