China Road and Bridge Corporation, NSSF endorsed for mega Rironi–Mau Summit Road upgrade
The decision follows the evaluation of feasibility studies for the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu (A8 South) road projects.
The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) and the National Treasury have approved China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), in partnership with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF), as the preferred contractor for the Rironi–Mau Summit road under a public-private partnership (PPP) model.
The decision follows the evaluation of feasibility studies for the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) and Nairobi–Maai Mahiu (A8 South) road projects.
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These projects were initially proposed through Privately Initiated Proposals (PIPs) submitted by CRBC and NSSF, and by Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Company (SDRBI).
According to KeNHA, the two PIPs sought to design, build, finance, operate, maintain, and eventually transfer the Rironi–Mau Summit dual carriageway under a DBFOMT framework. The proposals covered roughly 175 kilometres of the A8 Road from Rironi Interchange to Mau Summit turnoff, and 58 kilometres of the A8 South route from Rironi Interchange to Naivasha via Maai Mahiu. The corridor passes through three counties — Kiambu, Nyandarua, and Nakuru.
After reviewing the proposals, the PPP Committee granted both proponents conditional approval to proceed to the Project Development Phase (PDP). During this phase, the CRBC–NSSF partnership and SDRBI conducted detailed feasibility studies and submitted their final reports to KeNHA on September 15, 2025.
KeNHA evaluation
KeNHA then evaluated the studies in line with Section 43(9) of the PPP Act, Cap 430, and submitted its findings to the PPP Directorate for review and recommendation to the PPP Committee.
In a public notice, KeNHA stated that the PPP Committee, under the National Treasury and Economic Planning, reached its decision during its 47th Extraordinary Meeting on October 9, 2025.
The committee concluded that the project satisfied all criteria for public interest, feasibility, affordability, and suitability for implementation under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Act, 2021, and endorsed the CRBC–NSSF partnership as the preferred proponent.
The approval is subject to fulfilling technical, financial, environmental, social, and legal conditions outlined in the evaluation report. KeNHA said the disclosure was made in line with the PPP Act and a National Treasury circular dated April 24, 2025, emphasising transparency in all government projects.
"KeNHA remains committed to strictly adhering to the provisions of the PPP Act, Cap 430 and further assures the public that it will endeavour to abide by the provisions of the PPP Act, Cap 430. The Government of Kenya, similarly, remains committed to delivering critical infrastructure to Kenyans," the notice read.
The partnership will now be required to meet the outstanding technical, financial, and legal conditions before the contract is finalised.
The Rironi–Mau Summit road project covers a 175-kilometre stretch from Rironi Interchange in Kiambu County to Mau Summit in Nakuru County. The project will be implemented under a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, Maintain, and Transfer (DBFOMT) framework, allowing private sector participation in the development and management of this key highway.
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