The President made the announcement on Thursday, January 22, while on a development tour of Meru County, noting that the new bypass would play a key role in improving traffic flow and modernising the town’s transport infrastructure.
“We are changing the face of Meru and preparing it for city status. The Ksh3 billion bypass will significantly reduce congestion and improve mobility within the town,” Ruto said.
The proposed bypass is expected to divert through-traffic away from the central business district, allowing long-distance motorists to avoid the town centre while improving travel efficiency and safety for local road users.
Bypass roads are designed to ease pressure on urban roads by rerouting heavy and non-local traffic. Currently, Kenya has four major bypass highways, all located around Nairobi, forming a ring-road network around the capital.
These include the Northern Bypass, Eastern Bypass, Southern Bypass, and Western Bypass. Once completed, Meru will become the second urban centre in the country to benefit from a bypass of this nature.
The President said the project aligns with the government’s broader plan to upgrade infrastructure in regional towns earmarked for city status, positioning Meru as a major commercial and transport hub in eastern Kenya.
Nithi Bridge Reconstruction to Begin in 2026
During the same tour, President Ruto also announced that the long-awaited reconstruction of the Nithi Bridge will commence in February 2026.
The bridge, located along the Tharaka Nithi–Meru border, has for decades been considered one of the country’s most dangerous black spots. The reconstruction project is estimated to cost Ksh7 billion.
According to the President, the new bridge design will significantly improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents that have claimed lives over the years.
“The designs are ready, and I have personally reviewed them. The new bridge will be straight, unlike the current curved structure, which has contributed to many accidents,” Ruto said.
He reiterated his earlier commitment to residents of Tharaka Nithi that the bridge would be completed before the 2027 General Election, noting that the project remains a top priority for the government.
The two infrastructure projects are expected to boost economic activity, improve safety, and enhance connectivity across Meru and neighbouring counties once completed.
During the same tour, President Ruto also announced that the long-awaited reconstruction of the Nithi Bridge will commence in February 2026.
The bridge, located along the Tharaka Nithi–Meru border, has for decades been considered one of the country’s most dangerous black spots. The reconstruction project is estimated to cost Ksh7 billion.
According to the President, the new bridge design will significantly improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents that have claimed lives over the years.
“The designs are ready, and I have personally reviewed them. The new bridge will be straight, unlike the current curved structure, which has contributed to many accidents,” Ruto said.
He reiterated his earlier commitment to residents of Tharaka Nithi that the bridge would be completed before the 2027 General Election, noting that the project remains a top priority for the government.
The two infrastructure projects are expected to boost economic activity, improve safety, and enhance connectivity across Meru and neighbouring counties once completed.