Kenyatta Avenue viaduct makes major progress, passes 50%

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The Kenyatta Avenue viaduct in Nairobi has passed the halfway mark, according to a State House video released on Sunday, November 1, 2026, that puts the project at “over 50% completion”. The Kenya Roads Board has given the expected completion date as May 30, 2027, about five months later than the December 2026 target the government gave earlier this year.

The video, posted by President William Ruto under the title “Kenyatta Avenue–Upper Hill Viaduct”, shows aerial footage of the elevated structure taking shape between Upper Hill and the Central Business District (CBD). On-screen captions describe it as a “1 km elevated dual carriageway” built on “reinforced concrete piers”.

How far along is the Kenyatta Avenue viaduct?

Official progress figures have moved several times this year:

• June 29, 2026: President Ruto described the “KSh3 billion Upper Hill-Kenyatta Avenue Viaduct” as “currently 60 per cent complete”.
• July 3, 2026: The Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), which runs the project, said: “Currently we are 48%”.
• September 22, 2026: The Kenya Roads Board said the project was “now at 50% completion. Expected Completion: 30 May 2027”.
• November 1, 2026: The State House video put it at “over 50% completion”.

The agencies have not explained why the June figure was higher than the later ones.

What the KSh3bn contract covers

The viaduct is the most visible part of a wider KURA contract that also covers the Valley Road–Ngong Road–Nyerere Road interchange and the Upper Hill–Haile Selassie overpass. KURA records list China Road and Bridge Corporation as the contractor, with a contract value of KSh2,987,506,754.66, which officials round to KSh3 billion.

The contract was signed on September 17, 2020, with a 36-month construction period, giving an original completion date of September 17, 2023. A later Auditor-General report recorded an extension to March 17, 2024, and noted delays linked to funding and the relocation of water, sewer and power lines.

Works stalled over unpaid contractor bills and resumed in July 2025. The restart came as the government used part of the fuel-based Road Maintenance Levy to raise money for stalled road projects, a plan that has also cut contractor pending bills by KSh68.6bn.

What the Kenyatta Avenue viaduct means for Nairobi traffic

The Kenya Roads Board said that once complete, “the project will enhance connectivity, ease traffic flow and improve mobility within Nairobi.” In July, KURA said the “chronic congestion between Upper Hill, Valley Road and the Central Business District will be no more”.

Upper Hill is home to many businesses and institutions, so the Kenyatta Avenue viaduct is aimed at traffic moving between it and the CBD. The September update did not give a date for any partial opening.

The project sits alongside other road works in and around the capital. Roads and Transport CS Davis Chirchir says the Rironi–Naivasha highway section is set to open in early December, while motorists who use the elevated tolled route across the city can check the latest Nairobi Expressway toll charges. Spending by the county itself is covered in our Nairobi County budget guide.

Frequently asked questions

How much does the Kenyatta Avenue viaduct cost?

The government describes it as a KSh3 billion project. KURA records put the full contract, which also covers nearby interchange and overpass works, at KSh2,987,506,754.66.

When will the Kenyatta Avenue viaduct be complete?

The Kenya Roads Board gives the expected completion date as May 30, 2027. The original contract date was September 17, 2023.

How long is the Kenyatta Avenue viaduct?

The State House video describes it as a 1 km elevated dual carriageway linking Upper Hill and the Nairobi CBD.

Who is building the Kenyatta Avenue viaduct?

The project is run by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority, and KURA records name China Road and Bridge Corporation as the contractor.