• The government values the Nairobi–Mau Summit and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha highway projects at $1.54 billion.

• President William Ruto says the projects will create 15,000 jobs for young Kenyans.

• Kenya recently secured a $1 billion lease financing deal with Afreximbank to develop two special economic zones.

Kenya advances its reform agenda to boost job creation and improve employability as the government launches two major highway projects designed to prioritize local contractors.

President William Ruto said the construction of the Nairobi–Mau Summit and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu–Naivasha highways will generate thousands of jobs and equip 15,000 young people with new skills through on-site participation. He made the statement during the launch ceremony held on Friday, November 28.
 “This project will not only build roads but also build careers and futures, with strong local participation and Kenyan companies at the center,” Ruto said.

For years, fellow citizens have spent countless hours trapped in relentless traffic along the Western Corridor, especially on the 175km Nairobi-Mau Summit road section and the 58km Nairobi-Maai Mahiu-Naivasha stretch that winds through the treacherous Kikuyu Escarpment.

Beyond… pic.twitter.com/g9vPhYB0jm

— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) November 28, 2025

The government values the combined projects at $1.54 billion. Authorities say the works will ease travel to western Kenya, strengthen regional connectivity, and stimulate trade and economic activity. The government structured the initiative as a public-private partnership to increase opportunities for local entrepreneurs, maximize skills transfers, and boost SMEs’ involvement.

Kenya aims to reach middle-income and industrialized-nation status while improving quality of life. The government rolls out reforms that blend infrastructure investment, targeted incentives for micro, small and medium enterprises, and expanded credit access through the Hustler Fund.

In February, the government announced a $1 billion lease financing agreement with Afreximbank to develop the Dongo Kundu and Naivasha special economic zones. Officials expect the plan to generate more than 140,000 jobs and accelerate industrialization.

The World Bank reports that Kenya’s unemployment rate fell to 5.4% in 2024 from 5.6% in 2023. However, employment growth slowed to 3.9% in 2024 compared with 4.4% the previous year.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum