Ruto outlines key projects to be completed in 2026

President William Ruto has outlined a slate of major infrastructure and development projects scheduled for completion or rollout in 2026, describing the year as a period of “execution at scale” for his administration.

In his New Year address, Ruto said the government will complete the Talanta Sports Complex, positioning it to host major international sporting events, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He also announced the completion of the Bomas International Convention Centre, which he said will be restored as a premium venue for national and international conferences, strengthening Kenya’s ambition to become a regional hub for global events.

The President said the government will accelerate the tarmacking of 6,000 kilometres of roads already contracted and under construction across the country. Among the key projects is the Rironi–Mau Summit Road, which he said is on track for completion and opening by mid-2027.

He added that funding has already been secured to extend the road from Mau Summit to Eldoret and Malaba, as well as from Mau Summit through Kericho to Malaba.

Ruto further announced plans to begin construction of several new highways in 2026 as part of efforts to improve national connectivity and ease the movement of goods and people.

"Changing and transforming a country does not require a miracle. It requires a clear and bold vision, and a leadership equal to that vision. The nations that have succeeded were not exceptional by accident; they were deliberate by choice," the President said.

In a major rail infrastructure push, the President said the government will commence construction of the Naivasha–Narok–Bomet–Nyamira–Kisumu–Malaba Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). He said the project will create a modern transport and logistics corridor linking Kenya to East and Central Africa, boosting regional trade and integration.

The projects form part of the administration’s broader agenda to stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and position Kenya as a regional transport and investment hub.

The President said the Galana-Kulalu dam, whose contract was signed yesterday, and several others as part of the expansion of the irrigation infrastructure across the country, with the ultimate objective of bringing 2.5 million acres of land under irrigation. 

"We will also begin the construction of a modern, world-class airport at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, to anchor our nation as the aviation capital of our region and to boost our trade and tourism sectors," he said.