The Politics of Roads: Why Nairobi–Western Kenya Connectivity Seems to Make Some People Nervous

Opinion: If Nairobi–Central Kenya connectivity makes economic sense, why shouldn’t Nairobi–Western Kenya connectivity make even more economic sense?

Immediately after President Mwai Kibaki was sworn in, one of his major infrastructure priorities was the construction of the Thika Superhighway — connecting Nairobi to Thika and opening up the Central Kenya economic corridor.

President Uhuru Kenyatta later extended that connectivity through the Kenol–Marua Highway, creating a continuous multi-lane highway system linking Nairobi, Thika, Kenol and Nyeri.

Now President William Ruto is pursuing major road infrastructure projects, including the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, which would significantly improve connectivity between Nairobi and Western Kenya.

And suddenly, the politics around roads becomes interesting.

Why was a Nairobi–Central Kenya superhighway celebrated as development, yet efforts to create similarly efficient connectivity towards Western Kenya attract such fierce opposition?

Imagine a properly constructed Nairobi–Busia highway. Imagine a modern Nairobi–Mombasa corridor. Imagine efficient road networks linking Nairobi to every major economic region of the country.

That is not just about roads. That is about trade, jobs, investment, tourism and economic opportunity.

Kenya should not have infrastructure designed around the interests of one region. Every part of the country deserves the same level of connectivity.

The real question, therefore, is simple:

If a superhighway from Nairobi to Central Kenya makes economic sense, why shouldn't a similarly ambitious highway connecting Nairobi to Western Kenya make economic sense?

There is a legitimate concern that regional economic interests and political calculations sometimes influence infrastructure debates. Kenyans should therefore remain vigilant and demand that national infrastructure decisions be based on economic returns and national interest — not regional politics.

And to our political leaders: don't allow yourselves to become instruments of regional economic interests at the expense of the communities you represent.

Kenya is bigger than Central Kenya.
Kenya is bigger than Western Kenya.
Kenya is bigger than Nyanza.
Kenya is bigger than Rift Valley.

We need roads that connect Kenya, not politics that divides Kenya.