The ongoing upgrade of the 66.5-kilometre Illasit–Njukini–Taveta (B55) Road is set to be completed by December 2026, bringing forward the initial completion target of late 2027.
Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo said the strategic road is strengthening connectivity between Kajiado and Taita Taveta counties while improving Kenya–Tanzania cross-border links.
The road, being upgraded by the Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA), runs parallel to the border from Illasit Junction to Taveta Junction and is currently under active construction.
Approximately 28 kilometres have already been paved to bituminous standards, while major drainage structures, heavy-duty box culverts and the Ole Suyianka Bridge have been completed.
The upgraded highway will feature a seven-metre carriageway, 1.5-metre paved shoulders on both sides, improved junctions and street lighting at major market centres.
Once completed, the road is expected to reduce travel time between Illasit and Taveta from more than two hours to about 40–45 minutes.
The improved connectivity is expected to help farmers access markets faster, including the Oloitoktok Agro-Processing Factory, while reducing post-harvest losses.
The road will also boost trade through the Taveta One-Stop Border Post and strengthen links between the Amboseli and Tsavo West tourism circuits.
Omollo said the project will further enhance the safe movement of people and goods while supporting cross-border security, surveillance and rapid response.
