President William Ruto has unveiled plans to construct a Ksh3 billion bypass highway in Meru town, as part of the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance the transport infrastructure in the region. The announcement was made during a developmental tour of Meru on Thursday, January 22, 2026. According to the president, this project will play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion within the town, thus improving the efficiency of transportation for both locals and long-distance travelers.
Ruto highlighted that the construction of the bypass is part of a broader vision to transform Meru Town into a modern urban center, with aspirations to elevate it to Kenya’s sixth city. “We are changing the face of Meru and turning the town into a modern city through the construction of a KSh3 billion bypass development that will reduce congestion in the town,” Ruto affirmed during his address.
The bypass, which will divert traffic away from the town center, is expected to benefit long-distance travelers by offering faster routes and alleviating local traffic jams. Currently, Nairobi is the only urban center in Kenya with a network of bypass highways that form a ring road around the city, with four major bypasses. With the addition of the Meru bypass, it will become the second urban center in the country to benefit from such a development.
In addition to the bypass, Ruto also announced that the reconstruction of the Nithi Bridge, a notorious black spot, will commence in February 2026. The bridge reconstruction, costing Ksh7 billion, is a critical step towards enhancing road safety along the Tharaka-Nithi-Meru border. The president assured residents that the new design for the bridge would be safer, with plans to straighten its structure to prevent accidents.
These initiatives are part of a broader government strategy to improve infrastructure, promote regional development, and ensure road safety in key areas across the country.
