President William Ruto has announced plans to build a KSh3 billion bypass road in Meru Town as part of efforts to improve transport infrastructure and reduce traffic congestion in the area.
Speaking on Thursday, January 22, during a development tour of Meru County, the President said the new bypass will help decongest the town by diverting through-traffic away from the central business area. He noted that the project is key to the government’s plan to upgrade Meru into Kenya’s sixth city.
According to Ruto, the bypass will modernize the town and improve the movement of people and goods, especially for long-distance travellers who currently have to pass through the town centre.
“We are transforming Meru into a modern city. The KSh3 billion bypass will significantly reduce congestion and improve transport efficiency,” the President said.
A bypass road is designed to redirect traffic away from busy urban centres, helping ease pressure on local roads while allowing faster travel for motorists not stopping in the town.
At the moment, Kenya has four major bypass highways, all located around Nairobi, forming a ring-road network. With the new project, Meru will become the second town in the country to benefit from such a development.
In addition to the bypass, President Ruto announced that the reconstruction of the dangerous Nithi Bridge will begin in February 2026. The bridge has for many years been considered one of the country’s major accident black spots.
The reconstruction project, estimated to cost KSh7 billion, is expected to greatly improve road safety along the Tharaka Nithi–Meru border. Ruto assured residents that the bridge will be completed before the 2027 General Election.
He further revealed that new designs for the bridge are ready, noting that the current curved structure will be replaced with a straight design to enhance safety.
The announcements have been welcomed by residents, many of whom believe the projects will boost development, safety, and economic growth in the region.
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