PS Omollo: New 70km Ngong–Suswa Highway now fully operational

The government has announced the completion and full operationalisation of the Ngong–Suswa Highway, a major infrastructure project expected to transform transport and economic activity across the southern corridor.

The approximately 70-kilometre tarmac road now offers a vital alternative to the frequently congested Nairobi–Mai Mahiu route along the escarpment, easing pressure on one of the country’s busiest transport corridors.

Stretching from Ngong Town to Suswa, the highway provides a more direct and efficient link for motorists travelling to Narok County, Bomet County and Kisii County, as well as other parts of western Kenya.

Officials say the new road will significantly cut travel time while improving safety and reliability for road users who previously depended on the steep and often hazardous escarpment route.

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo described the highway as a “game changer” that is already delivering tangible economic benefits.

“The highway is already unlocking significant economic opportunities along the corridor. Farmers and livestock traders in Kajiado County now enjoy faster and more reliable access to markets in Nairobi, enabling them to move produce and livestock more efficiently while reducing transport costs,” Omollo said.

A section of the 70-kilometre Ngong–Suswa Highway/HANDOUT

In a statement posted on X, the PS noted that improved accessibility has triggered a steady rise in land values along the corridor, alongside increased investor interest.

“We are seeing new investments coming up, including petrol stations, service centres, hospitality facilities and other roadside enterprises. These are creating jobs and expanding local commerce in a meaningful way,” he added.

The highway is also expected to play a crucial role at the national level by helping to decongest traffic along the Nairobi–Mai Mahiu escarpment corridor, particularly during peak travel periods such as holidays.

With the new road in place, motorists now have a safer and more reliable alternative, reducing the risk of delays and enhancing the efficiency of cargo and passenger transport between Nairobi and western Kenya.

Omollo further said the government is taking steps to ensure the corridor remains safe and well-managed through inter-agency coordination.

“Through the coordination of the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration, we have strengthened road safety awareness, improved coordination with security agencies and enhanced administrative oversight along the route,” he said.

The completion of the Ngong–Suswa Highway is part of the government’s broader infrastructure agenda aimed at improving connectivity, lowering the cost of doing business and supporting regional economic growth.