After a seven-year journey of stalled works and funding delays, the crucial 66-kilometre Ngong–Suswa Highway is finally complete and open to the public, the State Department of Roads announced Wednesday.

This new artery offers a vital alternative to the chronically congested Nairobi-Mai Mahiu road, promising immediate relief for thousands of motorists and fundamentally reshaping the economic landscape for farmers, traders, and tourism operators in the region.

A Rocky Road to Completion

Launched in 2018, the KES 4 billion (approx. $31 million) project was scheduled for completion within 42 months. However, construction ground to a halt in 2020 after the contractor abandoned the site citing financial constraints, leaving residents and businesses in limbo.

The project became a symbol of public frustration until President William Ruto's administration prioritised the completion of stalled infrastructure projects. By December 2024, the Kenya Rural Roads Authority (KURA) reported the highway was 88 percent complete, signaling that the end was finally in sight.

Unlocking Regional Potential

The highway is more than just tarmac; it's an economic lifeline. For years, the Nairobi-Mai Mahiu corridor has been notorious for severe traffic gridlocks, especially during peak seasons, costing the economy millions in lost hours and delayed goods. The Ngong-Suswa road provides a direct and scenic route to Narok, Bomet, Kisii, and the wider Nyanza region.

Local leaders and business owners are optimistic about the road's impact. Kajiado North MP Onesmus Ngongoyo noted the road would “spur the much-needed growth in Ngong town and its environs,” boosting tourism and real estate. Already, the corridor has seen a rise in land values and the emergence of new businesses like petrol stations and markets.

The benefits are expected to trickle down directly to the dinner table for many Kenyans.

• Farmers & Traders: Agribusiness and livestock trade are expected to flourish with faster, cheaper access to markets in Nairobi and beyond.
• Tourism: The scenic route, offering panoramic views of the Great Rift Valley, is anticipated to become a preferred path for tourists heading to the Maasai Mara.
• Commuters: Daily travelers and long-distance drivers can now expect significantly reduced journey times and lower vehicle operating costs.

As vehicles begin to flow freely on the new highway, the focus now shifts to how this long-awaited piece of infrastructure will be leveraged to deliver sustainable growth and prosperity for the communities it serves.