President William Ruto announced on November 1, 2026, that the construction of the Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill viaduct in Nairobi has surpassed 50 percent completion. The Ksh3 billion project is now expected to be finished by May 2027. The viaduct, which includes a one-kilometer elevated dual carriageway, aims to improve connections between Nairobi's Central Business District and Upper Hill. This major business and institutional district has been experiencing congestion along Kenyatta Avenue.
The project involves the construction of reinforced concrete piers to support the elevated road. Once completed, the viaduct is expected to ease congestion along Kenyatta Avenue and provide motorists with an alternative route into and out of Upper Hill. This new route will reduce pressure on surrounding roads, particularly during peak hours. The project is part of wider infrastructure works that include the Valley Road–Kenyatta Avenue/Ngong/Nyerere interchange and the Upper Hill–Haile Selassie overpass.
Initially scheduled for completion in December 2026, the project faced delays due to construction challenges. The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) cited the complexity of installing columns and steel components, which require precision engineering and phased work. Construction began in September 2020 but was delayed for several years amid payment disputes with contractors. Work resumed in July 2025.
The Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill viaduct project has experienced significant delays since its inception. Despite the challenges, the project has been making progress since its resumption in July 2025. President Ruto shared the update on social media, assuring the public of the project's progress. The viaduct is expected to have a significant impact on traffic flow in the area.
The project forms part of the government's efforts to improve infrastructure in Nairobi. The Valley Road–Kenyatta Avenue/Ngong/Nyerere interchange and the Upper Hill–Haile Selassie overpass are also part of these infrastructure works. These projects aim to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow in the city. The government has been working to improve the transportation network in Nairobi.
The completion of the viaduct is expected to bring relief to motorists who have been experiencing congestion along Kenyatta Avenue. The project has been ongoing for several years, with various challenges along the way. Despite the delays, the project is making progress, and the government is working to ensure its timely completion.
The Ksh3 billion viaduct project is one of the major infrastructure projects in Nairobi. The project's progress has been significant since its resumption in July 2025. With a new completion date of May 2027, the government is working to ensure that the project is completed on time. The viaduct is expected to have a positive impact on the city's transportation network.
Key points
- The Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill viaduct is over 50% complete and scheduled for May 2027 completion.
- The project aims to ease congestion along Kenyatta Avenue and provide an alternative route into and out of Upper Hill.
- The viaduct is part of wider infrastructure works in Nairobi, including the Valley Road–Kenyatta Avenue/Ngong/Nyerere interchange and the Upper Hill–Haile Selassie overpass.
