President William Ruto has announced a Ksh7.9 billion intelligent transport system aimed at tackling Nairobi’s worsening traffic congestion, unveiling what the government says will be one of Africa’s biggest smart urban mobility projects.

Speaking on Monday, June 29, 2026, during the commissioning of the newly completed Ngong Road–Naivasha Road Flyover in Nairobi, Ruto said Kenya was now shifting from traditional road construction to smart traffic management systems designed to improve efficiency and unlock economic productivity.

The Head of State said traffic congestion in Nairobi has for years silently hurt businesses, workers and investors by consuming valuable productive hours that directly affect economic growth.

“Congestion is an economic challenge, not merely a transport challenge. Every hour lost is an opportunity diminished, an hour of productivity and income delayed,” Ruto said.

Smart transport system takes center stage

Ruto revealed that the first phase of the intelligent transport system, valued at approximately Ksh7.9 billion, is already under construction and will cover 25 signalized intersections alongside a modern traffic management center that will monitor traffic movement in real time.

“Twenty-first century cities must move intelligently. That is why we are implementing Nairobi’s intelligent transport system, one of the most significant investments in smart urban mobility on the continent,” he stated.

He added that phase two will expand the system to 60 more junctions through a Ksh13 billion investment while the final phase, costing Ksh20 billion, will extend the system to another 125 junctions across Nairobi.

Flyover commissioning signals wider transport plan

The announcement came shortly after Ruto officially commissioned the Ksh3.8 billion Ngong Road–Naivasha Road Flyover, a project expected to remove one of Nairobi’s long-standing traffic bottlenecks.

The President said the newly completed flyover will improve road safety, reduce transport costs and speed up the movement of goods and commuters along one of Nairobi’s busiest transport corridors.

“These are not simply investments in roads. They are investments in economic growth, productivity, competitiveness and a better quality of life in our city,” Ruto added.

The latest announcement now places smart transport technology at the center of government efforts to transform Nairobi into a modern and globally competitive city.