KeNHA to map out alternative routes for motorists as Rironi-Mau Summit toll highway plans advance

Truck drivers stuck in Gilgil–Naivasha traffic jam. (X/ Long Distance Drivers and Conductors Association)

By Rachael Mutabasi
Wednesday, November 5, 2025

Under the proposed tolling framework, passenger cars will pay Sh8 per kilometre, with the rate increasing by 1 per cent annually.

The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) will map out alternative routes between Rironi and Mau Summit for motorists who may opt not to use the planned toll highway, as implementation of the Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit (A8) and Rironi–Naivasha (A8 South) road projects moves forward under a new public-private partnership framework.

Under the proposed tolling framework, passenger cars will pay Sh8 per kilometre, with the rate increasing by 1 per cent annually.

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In a statement released on Wednesday, KeNHA said the mapping exercise is part of efforts to ensure fairness and public choice under the proposed National Tolling Policy (2025). The Authority noted that while motorists will have the option of using non-toll roads, the upgraded highway is expected to be more cost-effective due to reduced travel time, lower vehicle operating costs, and improved safety.

"The Authority shall map out available alternative roads from Rironi to Mau-Summit, where feasible, for consideration and use by the public, who may opt not to pay and use this Project. It is, however, imperative to note that the usage of the toll road shall be cheaper as there shall be resultant savings in travel times, vehicle operating costs, and safety," the statement reads in part.

The two projects, covering approximately 233 kilometres from Rironi to Mau Summit and Rironi to Naivasha, form a key section of the Northern Corridor, Kenya’s most important trade route linking Mombasa, Nairobi, Nakuru, Eldoret, and Malaba, and connecting to Uganda and the wider East African region.

The Nairobi–Nakuru–Mau Summit project was conceptualised in 2016 following a World Bank-supported feasibility study. A previous public-private partnership agreement with Rift Valley Highway Limited, signed in September 2020, was terminated in May 2025 due to affordability concerns for the government and the inability to transfer traffic risk to the private partner.

Earlier this year, KeNHA received three privately initiated proposals for the project. Two of the proposals were from Shandong Hi-Speed Road and Bridge International Engineering Company Limited (SDRBI) and a consortium of China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) with the National Social Security Fund (NSSF) trustees. A third proposal from Multiplex Partners Company Limited, a Burundi-registered firm, was dismissed in August 2025 for failing to pay the mandatory non-refundable proposal review fee, which the firm accepted.

The remaining two proponents received conditional approval from the PPP Committee to proceed to the Project Development Phase. Both submitted feasibility reports to KeNHA on September 15, 2025. During this phase, KeNHA conducted stakeholder engagement and public participation along the project route from August 18 to September 8, 2025, in line with Article 10 of the Constitution, which mandates public involvement in policy decisions.

Following evaluation of the Project Development Phase submissions, the PPP Committee under the National Treasury designated the CRBC–NSSF consortium as the preferred proponent. KeNHA clarified that the PPP Committee has not yet approved the final award, and negotiations with the preferred proponent are ongoing in accordance with the PPP Act.

“Kindly note that the PPP Committee has not yet approved the award for implementation of the project. The concurrence granted only allows KeNHA to commence negotiations with the preferred proponent in line with the PPP process. This is the process that is currently ongoing," said KeNHA.

"The Authority would like to reiterate here that at every stage of implementation of this project, there shall be high levels of transparency and accountability. All progress updates and decisions are being disclosed publicly in accordance with the PPP Act, Cap 430, and the National Treasury Circular dated April 24, 2025, on public disclosure of privately initiated proposals (PIPs).”

KeNHA reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and public participation at all stages of the project.

The Authority assured that the highways will be developed in a manner that protects public interest, promotes economic efficiency, and delivers safe, reliable, and sustainable infrastructure for current and future generations.