Regional trade gets a boost as Kenol–Sagana–Marua dual carriageway nears completion

Kenya’s role as a vital transit corridor for the East African hinterland is receiving a boost as the 84-kilometre Kenol–Sagana–Marua Dual Carriageway enters its final stages of modernisation.

The project, spearheaded by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), is transforming the existing single two-lane road into a high-capacity four-lane dual carriageway designed to improve travel, trade and regional connectivity.

According to a statement by the Principal Secretary, State Department for Internal Security and National Administration on Thursday, April 2, 2026, the construction of Lot 1 covering the 48-kilometre stretch between Kenol and Sagana is largely complete and already open to traffic.

What the road features

The section features major bridge works over the Saba Saba, Tana, and Rwamuthambi rivers with an aim to ease congestion that previously plagued the route.

Omollo revealed that work on Lot 2, which runs 36 kilometres from Sagana to Marua, is going well. The Marua Interchange is being built, and important parts of the road that go through Karatina town are being improved.

“Lot 1 (Kenol–Sagana, 48 km) is largely complete and open to traffic, featuring major bridges over the Saba Saba, Tana, and Rwamuthambi rivers. Lot 2 (Sagana–Marua, 36 km) is progressing well, with work ongoing at the Marua Interchange and key sections through Karatina town,” Omollo stated.

The upgrade includes grade-separated interchanges at Makutano and Marua, pedestrian footbridges, street lighting, and boda boda sheds to support other road users.

Once complete, the road will significantly improve the movement of goods and passengers along the northern corridor, a key route linking central Kenya to neighbouring countries in East Africa.

Rironi-Mau summit project

The Rironi–Mau Summit Road forms a 175-kilometre stretch of the A8 highway and is being expanded from a single carriageway into a modern dual carriageway.

The upgrade aims to congest traffic and improve road safety along the vital corridor linking Nairobi to Western Kenya.

The project was launched by President William Ruto in November 2025 and is scheduled for completion by June 1, 2027, at an estimated cost of Ksh200 billion under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework.

“This road is more than a highway; it is a gateway to prosperity, unity, and transformation. It demonstrates the power of smart governance in partnership with the private sector,” President Ruto said during the launch.

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