Kenya is seeking to move the planned dualling of the Nairobi Northern Bypass and two other infrastructure projects into the implementation stage following talks with Chinese development officials.
National Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo said the projects were among priority programmes discussed during a meeting with China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) Vice Chairman Liu Junfeng in Beijing.
Kiptoo said Kenya would continue working with CIDCA to advance the projects.
“We will continue working closely with CIDCA to move these and other priority programmes from commitment to implementation,” Kiptoo said on Friday, September 18.
The 20.2-kilometre Northern Bypass currently operates as a single carriageway between Ruaka in Kiambu County and Ruiru, where it connects with the Eastern Bypass.
The government approved plans to convert the road into a dual carriageway in June 2025.
The planned upgrade includes eight interchanges, overpasses and underpasses, pedestrian walkways, cycle paths, improved drainage and upgrades to connecting roads.
The project is among the infrastructure programmes Kenya has been pursuing with China, with the National Treasury previously announcing that China EximBank had approved financing for the road under the Preferential Buyer’s Credit arrangement.
The government has also been working on procurement and other steps towards implementation.
Two Other Projects Discussed
Kiptoo stated that the meetings also addressed the Bosto Dam Water Supply Project and the Muthaiga-Kiambu-Ndumberi Road Project.
The Muthaiga-Kiambu-Ndumberi Road is a stretch of about 23.5 kilometres running from Muthaiga Interchange through Kiambu Town up to Ndumberi.
The road is undergoing construction in phases to become a dual carriageway with some parts running through Nairobi and Kiambu counties.
Unlike the Northern Bypass project, the Muthaiga-Kiambu-Ndumberi road project has reached a more advanced stage of its implementation.
An EPC contract for the construction of the road was signed by KURA in March 2026.
During the discussions in Beijing, China’s support to Kenya in the health sector was also highlighted.
This involved grants awarded to upgrade the Londiani and Baringo County Referral hospitals along with humanitarian aid to help in drought management.
In addition to this, Kenya is negotiating a water supply project with China known as the Bosto Dam Water Supply Project in Bomet County.