As Kenya enters 2026, the government is pursuing major infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity, economic growth and regional trade.
However, a history of delays, cost overruns, stalled efforts and corruption scandals raises serious questions about timely delivery and value for money amid high public debt and fiscal constraints.
1. Extension of standard gauge railway to Kisumu and Malaba
The extension of the standard gauge railway from Naivasha to Kisumu and on to Malaba remains one of the hottest projects, with repeated promises to begin construction in early 2026.
The 369-kilometre route is divided into Phase 2B (Naivasha to Kisumu, 262 km) and Phase 2C (Kisumu to Malaba, 107 km) and is estimated to cost Ksh646 billion (US$4.8 billion). President William Ruto reaffirmed his commitment and said the groundbreaking ceremony could take place in January or February.
Supporters say it will transform freight transport, support agricultural exports in western Kenya and create more than 15,000 jobs. Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o hailed the lake as an important location for the region.
Critics have highlighted continued delays since the Mombasa-Nairobi phase began in 2017, including funding uncertainty and past disputes over Chinese funding. Environmentalists warn of the impact on wetlands and wildlife corridors, while economists question its viability given Kenya’s public debt of more than 12 trillion Kenyan shillings. A look back at history shows similar megaprojects plagued by extensions, cost escalations and questionable schedules.
2. Dualization of the Rironi-Mau summit expressway
The progress of the 233km Liloni-Nakuru-Mau summit expressway, which opened in November 2025, is under intense scrutiny amid legal challenges and public opposition to tolling.
The public-private partnership, led by China Road and Bridge Corporation, is valued at 184 billion Kenyan shillings (US$1.4 billion) and includes expansion of lanes, interchanges and safety features. It aims to reduce congestion and accidents on the Northern Corridor and is expected to generate 25,000 jobs and real estate growth in Nakuru.
But toll rates, which start at Ksh8 per kilometer and can reach Ksh1,400 one-way, have sparked outrage over affordability and claims of double taxation. Motorists are suing, but opposition leaders have slammed the move as regressive in a country where poverty affects millions. Environmental concerns center on the sensitive Mau forest ecosystem, and the split of the project into separate contracts has raised transparency issues. Past road improvements have faced long delays, suggesting completion by 2027 may be optimistic.
3. Taranta Sports Stadium and Urban Complex
Preparations to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are driving the development of Nairobi’s Taranta Sports Stadium, alongside renovation works at the Kasarani and Nyayo venues.
The 60,000-seat Taranta facility is part of a wider sports city that includes training grounds and commercial space, and is touted to foster youth talent, create jobs and generate tourism revenue from events.
Officials claim construction is on track for completion in early 2026. But changes in procurement hurdles and deadlines reflect broader patterns in public projects. Critics say the focus on flagship stadiums ignores local grassroots sports infrastructure, while high water demands for maintenance in drought-prone Nairobi raise questions about sustainability. With AFCON just around the corner, any misstep could lead to international embarrassment and the risk of wasted investment.
4. Main dam projects
Water security initiatives, including revived efforts in other regions such as Soinkor, Mwache, and Sweik, aim to expand irrigation and domestic supplies amid the pressures of climate change.
The 20 billion Kenyan shillings Soyinkor Dam aims to irrigate thousands of hectares and control flooding, while Mwache serves Mombasa’s needs with 136 million cubic meters of water storage. President Ruto has prioritized broader dam projects for food security.
Farmers welcome the prospect of reliable water that reduces their dependence on rainfall. The construction record paints a bleak picture. Soinkol has been stalled since 2022 over funding and disputes, Sweik has faced long delays due to global turmoil and contractor issues, and past scandals such as Alaa and Kimwala have left billions of dollars lost without being built. The risks of community displacement, ecological damage to rivers and corruption loom large, and critics warn that many promised dams remain underfunded or abandoned.
5. Power lines
Signed in December 2025 under a public-private partnership, two high-voltage lines, 400kV (177 kilometers) between Lusk and Lesos and 220kV (64 kilometers) between Kisumu and Msaga, promise to improve the reliability of the electricity grid in western Kenya.
The Africa 50 and India POWERGRID collaboration, costing Ksh41.6 billion (US$313 million), aims to increase production capacity by 20%, support industry and integrate renewable energy.
Proponents emphasize reducing power outages and easing debt pressure through private financing. Concerns over land acquisition disputes and habitat fragmentation in rural areas persist, while the long-term tariff implications for consumers are also in question. While hailed as a milestone for PPPs, Kenya’s track record of transmission project delays highlights implementation risks.
6. Expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport
Plans for a new terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport are targeted to break ground in 2026 to accommodate growing traffic and boost tourism.
This upgrade is in line with port strengthening and broader logistics goals. Past bidding disputes, including the scrapping of overseas deals, have increased calls for transparency. Delays in aviation infrastructure have previously hurt trade, and critics worry that costs will rise in a debt-constrained environment.
7. Kisumu Port Upgrade
The revitalization of Kisumu Port continues with the aim of increasing cargo volumes to complement potential rail connections and Lake Victoria trade.
Improvements support regional integration but face competition and financing challenges unique to port projects.
Collectively, these initiatives promise more than KSh1.5 trillion in economic injection and widespread employment. Deep-rooted problems threaten the results, from billions of dollars in lost funds due to construction delays caused by corruption and mismanagement, to environmental trade-offs and unfair advantages. With public debt rising and PPPs passing costs on to users, 2026 will test whether political ambition will lead to sustainable development or repeat costly mistakes.
