The Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill Viaduct is steadily taking shape, with the project now 60 per cent complete and on track to open before the end of the year, President William Ruto confirmed during the commissioning of the Ngong Road–Naivasha Road Flyover on June 29.
The Ksh3 billion elevated roadway will connect Valley Road to Kenyatta Avenue, enabling motorists travelling between Ngong Road, Upper Hill, and the Central Business District (CBD) to bypass several traffic lights and junctions that frequently experience gridlock. Once operational, the viaduct will significantly ease congestion in one of Nairobi’s busiest commercial corridors and improve access to the CBD.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill Viaduct |
| Cost | Ksh3 billion |
| Current Progress | 60% complete |
| Length | Approximately 1 kilometre, dual carriageway |
| Construction Started | September 2020 |
| Resumed After Stall | July 2025 |
| Expected Completion | Before December 2026 |
| Contractor | Chinese road construction firms |
The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) addressed growing public concern over prolonged construction and traffic disruptions in a statement on July 6, 2026. KURA attributed the delay to the complexity of structural works required for the flyover.
“Setting up of the columns and steel works is a bit involving but we are working round the clock to complete the works… it is our hope to complete and open to traffic within the shortest time possible. Kindly be patient.” — KURA Statement
Let me tell you Maina……Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill Viaduct is taking shape…Currently we are 48% and very soon the chronic congestion between Upper Hill, Valley Road and the Central Business District will be no more! pic.twitter.com/EOjI1JfSpu
— Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA) (@KURAroads) July 3, 2026
The project involves multiple precision stages — foundation works, column erection, and steel beam installation — all of which must meet strict safety and design standards.
Construction originally began in September 2020 but stalled for years due to payment disputes with contractors before resuming in July 2025.
To facilitate bridge construction, KURA announced partial road closures effective June 12, 2026:
| Road | Closure Period |
|---|---|
| Kenyatta Avenue, Valley Road, Jakaya Kikwete Road | June 12, 2026 – February 12, 2027 (8 months) |
| Haile Selassie Avenue | June 12 – October 12, 2026 (4 months) |
KURA has assured motorists that only partial sections are affected, and traffic marshals will be deployed throughout the construction period to guide motorists. The actual disruption period could be shorter depending on the pace of construction.
The viaduct is one component of broader infrastructure works, including the Valley Road–Kenyatta Avenue/Ngong/Nyerere Interchange and the Upper Hill–Haile Selassie Overpass projects.
It is part of President Ruto’s wider Ksh45 billion Nairobi transport modernization plan, which includes the Nairobi Intelligent Transport System (ITS) connecting over 210 junctions to real-time traffic management technology.
The viaduct will also include cycle lanes and pedestrian walkways for Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) users.
President Ruto has personally committed to opening the viaduct before December 2026. Speaking on June 29, he stated:
“The viaduct was delayed for years, but before December, I will open it. People going to the CBD will stop being disturbed by traffic jams.”
Engineers are currently focused on the systematic installation of heavy precast concrete girders and casting the reinforced concrete deck across finished pier caps standing prominently along Valley Road. KURA is working round the clock to complete the works within the shortest time possible.
The Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill Viaduct is on track to deliver long-awaited relief to Nairobi motorists by the end of 2026. The chronic congestion between Upper Hill, Valley Road, and the CBD will soon be a thing of the past
📄 Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available information from official government communications, project reports, and credible media sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, project details such as timelines, costs, and implementation status may change over time.
